Northern Political Leaders Unite Under ADC Banner For 2027 Elections.
A coalition of prominent opposition leaders, including key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The decision, finalised during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant step towards consolidating opposition forces to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
The coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, includes influential PDP stalwarts such as former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River), alongside former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus. The group has expressed deep concerns over the PDP’s declining influence, attributing it to internal mismanagement and alleged interference by the APC-led government.
In a communiqué issued after the closed-door meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the leaders described the PDP as “a shadow of its former self” and called for a united front to restore Nigeria’s democratic integrity. The coalition’s adoption of the ADC follows months of speculation and negotiations, with the party emerging as the preferred platform after talks with other opposition groups, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), faltered.
David Mark has been appointed interim National Chairman of the ADC, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola named interim National Secretary. The appointments were ratified unanimously, with Mark’s bipartisan appeal and steady leadership style cited as key factors. Aregbesola, in his acceptance speech, vowed that the ADC would “stand for something” and pledged to model the party on international best practices, drawing inspiration from countries like South Africa and Kenya.
Ralph Nwosu, the ADC’s outgoing National Chairman, praised the leadership transition, describing Mark as “one of the most disciplined Nigerians” and a fitting leader to steer the coalition. Nwosu confirmed that the ADC’s National Working Committee would step down to accommodate the coalition’s leaders, ensuring an equitable distribution of roles.
The coalition’s move has sparked mixed reactions. APC spokesman Bala Ibrahim dismissed the effort as “dead on arrival,” expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects. Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that the coalition’s success hinges on its ability to overcome internal rivalries, particularly as many leaders, including Atiku, are known to harbour presidential ambitions. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson of the Northern Elders’ Forum, cautioned that the coalition must prioritise unity over individual aspirations to mount a credible challenge.
The decision to adopt the ADC was partly driven by concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delays in registering the coalition’s initially proposed platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Sources indicate that the ADC’s established status as a registered party offered a practical solution to meet electoral deadlines.
As preparations for 2027 intensify, the coalition plans to unveil its full leadership structure and strategy at a summit today, Wednesday, 2 July 2025. The meeting is expected to outline a comprehensive plan addressing national and local political dynamics, with a focus on unity, economic recovery, security, and anti-corruption measures.
The coalition’s bold move signals a potential reshaping of Nigeria’s political landscape, setting the stage for what analysts predict could be one of the fiercest electoral battles in the nation’s recent history. With the ADC now at the forefront, opposition forces are banking on a unified approach to challenge the APC’s grip on power.
