May 18, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | Politics
Fresh cracks have emerged within the opposition (ADC) after the party reportedly postponed its presidential screening exercise following intense disagreements over the choice of a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to sources familiar with the development, the screening exercise initially scheduled for Monday was shifted to Wednesday as top party stakeholders failed to reach a final agreement between three major contenders — , , and .
Party insiders revealed that ongoing consultations and internal negotiations forced the postponement, as leaders continue efforts to unite behind a single candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against President in the next presidential election.
A senior source within the party disclosed that disagreements over the consensus arrangement remain unresolved.
“The ADC presidential screening exercise has been shifted from Monday to Wednesday. The party has failed to agree on a consensus candidate between Amaechi, Atiku and Hayatu-Deen,” the source revealed.
Another insider claimed uncertainty also surrounds the party’s planned presidential primary scheduled for May 25, citing financial difficulties and growing tension among party leaders.
“Even their primaries date is now unsure. They don’t have money and Atiku is not allowing any consensus arrangement that doesn’t favour him,” the source alleged.
The development is expected to increase pressure on the ADC leadership as the party struggles to prevent internal divisions ahead of the crucial primaries.
Earlier, the party had announced adjustments to its screening timetable for presidential and governorship aspirants, citing operational and security concerns affecting parts of Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, , the ADC said some screening exercises for federal legislative aspirants from affected northern states would now take place in Abuja due to security challenges in the region.
The party assured aspirants that updated schedules and further details would be communicated accordingly.
Meanwhile, the ADC has already released its timetable for the 2027 primary elections and approved nomination fees for various elective positions.
Under the approved structure, the presidential nomination form is pegged at ₦100 million, governorship forms at ₦50 million, Senate forms at ₦20 million, House of Representatives forms at ₦10 million, while State House of Assembly aspirants are expected to pay ₦3 million.
According to the party’s timetable, governorship primaries are scheduled for May 22, while the presidential primary election is expected to hold on May 25, 2026.
Political observers say the growing disagreements within the ADC could significantly affect the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as opposition parties continue searching for a formidable coalition against the ruling APC government.
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