Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has convened a strategic meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the South East and other prominent Igbo figures, signaling potential political collaboration ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
According to a statement released by the ADC on Wednesday, the meeting was described as “crucial” for charting the party’s strategic direction and exploring alliances as it prepares for the 2027 presidential primaries.
The closed-door meeting took place Tuesday night at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi and drew a high-profile roster of party and regional leaders, 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, Dr Steve Nwadiuko, Chief Morris Eboh, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Dr Dave Eboh.
The meeting comes as political parties across Nigeria face a 91-day deadline, ending May 30, to conduct and finalize primaries following a revised timetable for the 2027 elections 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.
Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said the commission approved the revised timetable following changes in the electoral law. Party primaries, including dispute resolution, are scheduled to commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude by May 30, 2026.
INEC also emphasized that, under the Electoral Act 2026, political parties must submit digital membership registers at least 21 days before any primary, congress, or convention. Failure to comply could result in disqualification from fielding candidates.
