By Obinna Uballa
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, has held a strategic meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the South-East and other prominent Igbo figures, in what observers see as a calculated move to consolidate support in the region ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary.
Details of the closed-door meeting, disclosed in a statement by the ADC on Wednesday, described the engagement as “crucial” in shaping the party’s strategic direction and potential alliances as it prepares for the primaries.
The meeting reportedly took place Tuesday night at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi and was attended by a high-profile array of party stalwarts and regional leaders.
Among those present were Senator Augustine Akobundu; ADC chieftain 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.
Although the statement did not explicitly spell out Atiku’s intentions, political watchers interpret the outreach as an effort to strengthen his standing in the South-East, the home region of Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and 2027 ADC presidential hopeful.
The move is also viewed as part of broader manoeuvres within opposition ranks as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
The meeting comes amid a tightening electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has set a 91-day window for political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries.
Under the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission approved the updated timetable following changes to the Electoral Act 2026.
According to INEC, party primaries – including the resolution of disputes – will commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026. The commission also reminded parties of their obligation to submit digital membership registers at least 21 days before conducting any primary, congress, or convention, warning that failure to comply could lead to disqualification from fielding candidates.
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