Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not implement zoning or any consensus arrangement in its presidential primary ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Speaking on Trust TV on Monday, the 9th of February, 2026, El-Rufai emphasised that the party is committed to holding free, fair, and transparent primaries, ensuring that all aspirants have equal opportunity to contest without pressure, imposition, or forced withdrawal.
He revealed that the ADC leadership is actively working on the party’s manifesto and policy platform, while also engaging prospective presidential, governorship, and other aspirants 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.
El-Rufai made it clear that no zoning arrangement would be applied and that no aspirant would be forced to step down in favour of another.
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“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,” he stated.
He also refuted claims that the ADC lacks grassroots support, highlighting the party’s growing influence nationwide.
“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,” El-Rufai added.