The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed speculation that it is considering zoning its 2027 presidential ticket, saying its priority for now is strengthening party structures nationwide.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this while reacting to the Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Monday, Abdullahi said zoning was not on the ADC’s agenda at the moment.

He said, “Unlike other parties, we have a lot of work to do to build our structures across the country. That is more important to us than conversations about where the president will come from.

“So, we are not having that discussion now. When the time comes, it will not be a secret. We will make our position clear, whether we are adopting zoning or not.”

The ADC spokesman also dismissed claims that the party was pushing northern interests.

He said, “That is not true. We are not going to allow ourselves to be blackmailed by that kind of narrative. When the time comes, we will do what is in the best interest of our party and Nigerians.

“Whoever we put forward will be in our best interest, because at the end of the day, we want to win the election. Whatever choices we make will be strategic decisions to help us achieve victory and deliver on our plans for Nigerians. We will not do something simply because that is what other parties are doing.”

On whether competence would outweigh zoning in the ADC’s eventual decision, Abdullahi said both could complement each other.

“Absolutely. They are not mutually exclusive. To say you are going for zoning does not mean you will not go for competence. What we are saying is that for now, it’s not a conversation we are ready to have as a party,” he added.