The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” is intended to move away from a winner-takes-all structure and instead promote shared leadership even after a presidential candidate emerges.

A leading figure in the party’s reform effort, Lukman Salihu, disclosed the plan on Monday during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise TV, saying it would ensure governance is based on teamwork rather than individual dominance.

According to him, “The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a system where one person takes everything. If we form the next government, it will not be like an emperor running an empire; it will be collective leadership with joint decision-making.”

The development comes as political rivalry intensifies within the opposition, with major figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi expected to contest for influence, alongside their supporters pushing different agendas.

Salihu, however, dismissed claims of division within the opposition, describing the situation as normal political competition.

“What you are seeing is contestation. When politics has no contestation, it is no longer politics,” he said.

He explained that under the new arrangement, candidates emerging from primaries would remain part of a unified team, rather than being sidelined.

“One person will emerge, but as part of a team, not someone who wins and pushes others out,” he noted, adding that he does not expect any major figure to abandon the process if they lose out.

Salihu also revealed that the party has already developed a governance blueprint based on a manifesto adopted at its last convention.

He said a 50-member committee worked on the policy document, which focuses on citizen-centred governance and addressing national challenges.

He added that internal disagreements had delayed its public release but assured that it would soon be finalised.

The ADC chieftain further stated that the party is designing a structured candidate screening process to ensure transparency and credibility in selecting flag bearers.

He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that it has deviated from its founding principles and that internal party discipline has weakened.

Salihu emphasised that restoring strong party structures and internal accountability is central to the opposition’s strategy.

On individuals or groups not participating in the coalition, he said their absence was voluntary and respected, but expressed confidence that the opposition would eventually unite behind a single candidate ahead of 2027.

He is asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to overturn the forfeiture order issued in January 2026, insisting that all the affected assets were acquired through legitimate means.

Court documents show that Malami argued the properties were purchased using income accumulated over many years, including earnings from legal practice, business ventures, and other declared sources.

The EFCC had earlier secured a court order to freeze the assets pending investigation, alleging that they may be linked to proceeds of unlawful activities.

However, Malami maintained that the agency failed to provide credible evidence linking the properties to any criminal conduct, insisting there is no proof that they were acquired with illicit funds.

He also challenged the valuation of the seized assets, claiming the EFCC significantly overstated their worth. According to him, independent valuers assessed the properties at much lower figures than those presented by the commission.

Malami further explained that his wealth was built over decades through legal practice spanning more than 30 years, as well as investments in hospitality, agriculture, education, and other ventures. He also cited bank loans, asset sales, and proceeds from personal projects as part of his income sources.

He told the court that all his earnings and assets were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in line with legal requirements.

In addition, Malami accused the anti-graft agency of overstepping its authority, alleging that officials took control of some properties without a final court ruling, and that his family members were evicted during the operation while documents were also removed.