Former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie has commended the African Democratic Congress for opening its presidential nomination process to aspirants from all parts of the country without adopting a regional zoning arrangement.
Onochie made the remarks in a statement posted on her official Facebook page on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, where she described the party’s approach as a demonstration of democratic inclusion and political openness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to her, democracy becomes stronger when political parties avoid restricting participation based on geography or ethnic considerations. “Nigeria’s democracy grows stronger when political parties refuse to become ethnic clubs or regional estates,” she wrote.
She stated that the ADC’s decision to allow all qualified Nigerians to contest for its presidential ticket regardless of region reflects democratic principles rooted in participation and competition. “The decision by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to throw open its presidential nomination process to every qualified Nigerian, irrespective of region, is not just commendable — it is profoundly democratic,” Onochie stated.
The former presidential aide argued that Nigerian politics has for years been shaped by zoning arrangements that often place regional balancing above merit and competence. “For too long, Nigerians have been conditioned to believe that competence must first pass through the narrow gate of zoning before merit can even be considered,” she said.
“But democracy was never designed to exclude. Democracy thrives on competition, participation, inclusion, and the freedom of citizens to choose from the best available options,” she added.
Onochie also praised the ADC for declining to impose a North-South zoning formula for its presidential ticket, describing the move as a step toward strengthening internal democracy. “By refusing to impose a restrictive North-South presidential zoning arrangement, the ADC has raised the democratic bar in Nigeria,” she wrote.
She referenced potential aspirants from different regions of the country, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, businessman Hayatu-Deen, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, stating that equal access to political participation represents genuine democracy.
“Today, Nigerians are witnessing something refreshing: Atiku Abubakar from the North, Hayatu-Deen from the North, and Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi from the South, all standing on the same democratic platform with equal rights to aspire,” she said. “That is democracy in its purest form,” she added.
Onochie further argued that open competition within political parties would encourage Nigerians to focus more on competence, leadership capacity, and ideas rather than ethnic or regional affiliations. “This openness strengthens national unity because it encourages Nigerians to look beyond tribe and region and begin to interrogate ideas, competence, capacity, vision, and leadership character,” she stated.
She also said internal party democracy remains weak in many political parties due to the imposition of candidates through elite consensus arrangements. “It also deepens internal party democracy — a critical ingredient missing in many political parties where candidates are often imposed through elite arrangements disguised as consensus,” she wrote.
The former presidential aide concluded by expressing pride in her membership of the ADC and described the party’s position as a positive development for Nigeria’s democratic future. “I am proud to be a card-carrying member if ADC. ADC! Arise Nigeria. AD&C! Arise And Shine, Nigeria. God bless Nigeria,” Onochie stated….Read_More…
