2027: Atiku holds crucial meeting with ADC South-East leaders

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held a crucial meeting with ADC South East Leaders and other prominent Igbo leaders at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi to discuss possible political collaboration ahead of the ADC presidential primary.

The closed‑door meeting, which took place last night, was attended by a host of notable figures, including Senator Augustine Akobundu, Chief Chekwas Okorie, former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Dr. Osita Oruche, Prof. Onyi Nwagbara, Chief Uchenna Okogbuo, former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Hon. Uzoma Abonta, Hon. Uko Nkole, Etigwe Uwah (SAN), Dr. Steve Nwadiuko, Chief Morris Eboh, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Dr. Dave Eboh, among others.

The meeting is seen as a strategic move by the ADC as political parties across Nigeria face a 91-day deadline—ending May 30, 2026—to conduct and finalise primaries following a revised electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Under the new schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027. INEC also stated that the conduct of party primaries—including resolution of disputes arising from primaries—will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude by May 30, 2026.

The commission further emphasized that political parties are required, under the Electoral Act 2026, to submit digital membership registers at least 21 days before any primary, congress, or convention. Non-compliance, INEC warned, could lead to disqualification from fielding candidates.

This development comes amid heightened political activity as parties prepare to meet the deadlines, with leaders across the country strategizing alliances and consolidating support bases