The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is tightening internal rules ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that only aspirants aligned with its policy direction will be allowed to contest on its platform, in what officials describe as a shift toward issue based politics.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known during a television interview on Friday, saying the ADC is deliberately moving away from being a convenient platform for politicians seeking tickets without shared values. According to him, the party is repositioning to prioritise governance ideas and long-term policy commitments over political expediency.

Abdullahi explained that the party has spent months developing a detailed manifesto covering critical areas such as fuel subsidy, national security, and governance reforms. He said prospective candidates will be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of these policy positions before they can be considered, adding that ideological discipline is central to the party’s strategy.

He also raised concerns about what he described as a trend of politicians showing interest in the party without subscribing to its vision, noting that such moves undermine efforts to build a credible alternative. The ADC, he said, is determined to avoid becoming a platform driven solely by electoral ambition rather than national development goals.

Meanwhile, a faction of the party aligned with its 2023 presidential candidate has outlined a timetable for internal activities, announcing plans to hold non-elective congresses nationwide on May 7 and 8, followed by a presidential primary during a special convention scheduled for May 24, 2026, in Abuja. Party officials say the timeline is designed to meet legal requirements and prepare early for the 2027 elections.

The faction also warned that only processes conducted through its recognised National Executive Committee structures would be valid, stressing that any parallel arrangements would not be accepted. Observers say the developments highlight growing efforts within the ADC to enforce internal order and accountability, even as it navigates competing interests and prepares for a highly contested electoral cycle.