Retired Brigadier General John Sura optimistic as ADC Screens Over 70 Governorship Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Primaries
The African Democratic Congress has screened more than 70 governorship aspirants ahead of its 2027 primary elections, with party members commending the exercise as transparent, professional and consistent with democratic principles.
The screening exercise, held in Abuja on Monday, drew aspirants from several states including Adamawa, Delta, Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa and Rivers.
Plateau State ADC aspirant, retired General John Sunday Sura expressed satisfaction with the screening process which gave him confidence that candidates of proven integrity and capacity will emerge to unseat political parties currently occupying various government houses across the country.
The One Tribe One Plateau advocate pointed that the security challenges bedeviling Plateau State, the cries of the people burdened by poverty and overwhelming disappointment occasioned by unfulfilled promises are the major factors motivating him to run for office of governor.
General Sura said “I my leadership will revive the erstwhile peaceful disposition of Plateau State as the home of peace and tourism and bring about a pragmatic inclusiveness approach to governance with the people as the engine of transformation”
“The continued bloodshed has to be abated. People should be comfortable going back to their houses and farms without fear of any kind. We will have an enduring community based stakeholder engagement for realistic peaceful coexistence. This way meaningful development can be experienced” he said.
Speaking after appearing before the screening panel, Mohamed Onawo described the process as detailed and fair.
Onawo, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, said the committee members demonstrated professionalism in reviewing aspirants’ credentials and raising critical governance-related questions.
The committee members were professional, thorough and fair in assessing documents and asking relevant questions,” he said.
The senator expressed optimism about the ADC’s chances in the 2027 governorship elections, particularly in Nasarawa State, citing his political experience and growing public support for the party.
He also argued that internal crises affecting some major political parties had created opportunities for the ADC to strengthen its national electoral presence.
Onawo further backed consensus arrangements in party primaries, noting that such a strategy could promote unity and reduce post-primary disputes.
“I have total confidence in the leadership of the party, and I believe the ADC will emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 elections,” he added.
Among those screened were former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Senator Mohammed Jibrilla; Great Ogboru; Senator Mohamed Onawo; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; Shehu Ahmad Issa; and retired General John Sura.
Others included Adeboyega Adegoke, Haliru Jika, Kashim Geidam, Musa Ahmed and Peter Adejo.
The ADC has recently intensified efforts to position itself as a credible alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections amid growing dissatisfaction within some of Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
The ADC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Queen Okiyi, confirmed that more than 70 governorship aspirants had already been screened.
“The screening has come to an end today. The first panel screened about 34 governorship aspirants. In the second hall, we had over 35. In total, we have over 70 governorship aspirants screened, and the exercise is on going” she said.
The screening of over 70 governorship aspirants reflects the ADC’s growing political relevance as it seeks to challenge established parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The participation of prominent political figures such as Abubakar Malami, Mohammed Jibrilla, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and General John Sura, signals increasing interest in the party as an alternative platform.
Transparent screening processes are crucial for strengthening internal democracy and reducing disputes that often follow party primaries in Nigeria.
If sustained, the ADC’s institutional reforms and broadening support base could significantly reshape political alignments in several states before the next general elections.