Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritise competence, national spread, and governance capacity as it prepares for the 2027 presidential election.

He warned party members against relying on social media popularity, stressing that Nigeria’s presidency requires strong political structure, strategy, and proven ability to govern.

According to him, the country is currently facing serious challenges including economic hardship, rising debt, insecurity, and institutional weakness, so the next leader cannot afford to be someone who will learn on the job.

Atiku’s comments were delivered through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, where he insisted that only a well-prepared and capable candidate can defeat the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.Meanwhile, the ADC is also dealing with internal crisis and factional disputes.

One faction reportedly elected Dr Dumebi Kachukwu as its presidential candidate during a non-elective special convention, alongside a new National Working Committee led by Kingsley Ogar.

Kachukwu, a 2023 presidential flagbearer, accused party figures including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola of using the party for personal political battles and claimed the leadership has failed to uphold proper democratic processes.The party is also experiencing parallel governorship primaries in Rivers State, where different factions have produced separate candidates.

However, Farah Dagogo reportedly emerged winner of a direct primary, defeating other contenders with tens of thousands of votes across local councils.Political observers warn that these internal divisions could weaken the ADC’s chances in 2027 if not urgently resolved.