ADC Names Imoke and Abdulfatah to Lead Key Committees

ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress has appointed former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to lead key party committees. The appointments signal the ADC’s determination to build a credible organisational structure ahead of 2027.

Imoke, who served as governor of Cross River from 2007 to 2015, will head a committee focused on political outreach and membership expansion. Ahmed, who governed Kwara from 2011 to 2019, will lead a committee on policy development and party governance.

ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the appointments on Monday. He said the party is bringing in experienced hands to ensure it can compete effectively in all 36 states and the FCT. “We are building a serious political machine,” Nwosu said.

The appointments add two well-known former governors to a party that already has high-profile presidential aspirants including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and former El-Rufai. The ADC is fast becoming the most crowded opposition platform in Nigeria.

ADC Postpones Presidential Screening

However, the ADC has postponed its presidential and governorship aspirant screening from May 16 to May 18. The party cited security concerns as the reason for the delay. It said the screening will go ahead as rescheduled on Monday.

The postponement comes as the ADC navigates growing pressure from multiple presidential aspirants. Party officials are working to manage expectations and prevent the primary from becoming bitter. A messy primary could drive some aspirants out of the party entirely.

Furthermore, the ADC has stated that it prefers a consensus approach to selecting its presidential candidate. Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said consensus would save time, money, and party unity. However, some aspirants have insisted on a direct primary.

Eyes on May 30

INEC’s deadline of May 30 is the defining pressure point for all parties. Any party that fails to complete its primaries and submit candidates by that date will not be on the 2027 ballot for those offices. The ADC says it is on track.

Analysts say the ADC’s appointment of respected former governors shows it is serious about its institutional credibility. Both Imoke and Ahmed bring networks in the south and north that could help the party build a broader coalition.

As the 2027 race heats up, the ADC’s ability to manage its own internal dynamics will determine how seriously voters take it as a governing alternative to the APC. The next few weeks of primaries will be the biggest test yet of the party’s organisational capacity.