No zoning in ADC presidential primaries, says El-Rufai

By Seyi Babalola

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has stated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not use zoning or any other sort of consensus arrangement in its presidential primary ahead of the next general election.

Speaking on Trust Tv, El-Rufai stated that the party is dedicated to holding open, fair, and transparent primaries in which all contenders will be given an equal opportunity to compete without coercion, imposition, or forced withdrawal.

El-Rufai revealed that the ADC leadership is now working on a manifesto and policy platform, as well as engaging potential presidential, governorship, and other candidates to foster internal unity ahead of the primaries.

“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.

According to him, the party has resolved that no zoning arrangement will be applied and that no aspirant will be compelled to step down in favour of another.

“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 stated.

He also dismissed claims that the ADC lacks grassroots support, insisting that the party’s growing influence is evident across the country.

“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 added.