The crisis is unfolding amid unresolved leadership disputes that have left the party’s legal status uncertain, following court actions challenging the legitimacy of its national leadership and structure.

The ADC remains divided into factions, with competing groups laying claim to control of the party, while several state chapters have been unable to conduct congresses.

Despite the uncertainty, the party went ahead with its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday without INEC’s official monitoring, a move that has raised concerns among political observers.

At the centre of the contest are three prominent figures—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso—who are widely seen as potential contenders for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Their presence has intensified rivalry among supporters, with discussions already shifting to possible ticket combinations.

A proposal from Atiku’s camp suggesting a joint ticket with Peter Obi has been rejected by Obi’s supporters, who insist the presidency should be zoned to the South.

Dele Momodu, an ally of Atiku, had argued that an Atiku-Obi pairing could strengthen the opposition, referencing their past collaboration in 2019.

However, the Obidient Movement’s coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, maintained that zoning is critical to the party’s chances, insisting that Obi should lead if the ticket is zoned to the South, with Kwankwaso as a possible running mate.

He warned that failure to respect zoning arrangements could cost the party electoral success in 2027.

Obi himself has also rejected what he described as “transactional” primaries, warning that he would not participate in a flawed process.

Meanwhile, the ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, has assured members that the party will ensure a fair and transparent process for all aspirants despite its internal tensions.

He made the remark during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, where he dismissed opposition concerns about the ruling party’s electoral strength.

Yilwatda described Kano, Nigeria’s most populous northern state, as a key APC stronghold, noting that Katsina and other major voting blocs in the North-West remain firmly aligned with the party.

“I can assure you that Kano is a given to us as APC, and it is a swing state in the North-West,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that the influx of defectors from opposition parties could destabilise the APC, insisting the party has strong internal mechanisms to manage competing interests.

According to him, the APC has successfully conducted its congresses without internal breakdown despite predictions of crisis.

“We were able to manage the interest of everybody—the governors, the National Assembly, and other members of the party—equitably,” he said.

Yilwatda added that no other political party in Nigeria has a stronger conflict resolution system than the APC.

He further stressed that governance performance will play a key role in the party’s electoral strategy ahead of 2027.