By Ayo Kehinde
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has affirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will conduct open and transparent presidential primaries, with no zoning arrangements or forced withdrawals of aspirants.
Speaking on Trust TV, El-Rufai emphasised that the party is committed to giving all contenders an equal opportunity to compete, ensuring that the process is free from coercion, imposition, or political engineering.
“At the top level, we are preparing our manifesto and our platform. We are also working on getting our presidential aspirants, governorship aspirants, and other aspirants to come together and agree on a process that will guarantee free and fair primaries”, he said.
The former governor made it clear that the ADC will not implement any zoning or consensus arrangement, adding, “There will be no zoning, no consensus, and no forcing anyone to step down. Everyone will be given the opportunity to contest, and whoever wins will be supported by all.”
El-Rufai also addressed claims that the ADC lacks grassroots support, insisting that the party’s influence is growing across Nigeria.
“If you don’t think the ADC has grassroots support, ask some members of the National Assembly to go to their constituencies without gathering soldiers and police to guard them”, he said.
According to El-Rufai, the party is now focusing on building a robust manifesto and policy platform while engaging potential candidates for various positions, aiming to foster unity and strengthen the ADC ahead of the primaries
