Since the formal adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by a coalition of opposition leaders as the preferred political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, the party has witnessed an influx of prominent political figures across party lines.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, along with key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), formally endorsed ADC as their platform for the 2027 race.
Among the notable entrants into the coalition are aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
David Mark has since assumed the position of Interim National Chairman of ADC, while Rauf Aregbesola is serving as the Interim National Secretary.
Attention Shifts to Kwankwaso
Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has emerged as a central figure in ongoing political negotiations, as both opposition and APC figures court him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a senior NNPP source, “Kwankwaso is being pressured to join the coalition. Of course, Tinubu’s men are also in talks with him but as we all know, people no longer want to associate with this government. I can tell you that as it is right now, our leader in the person of Kwankwaso is yet to make a decision on whether to join the coalition movement or the ruling party.”
He continued, “His weight is more on the coalition because APC is not a party to reckon with. Kwankwaso is currently the new bride and the reason is because Kano State is one of the states that produces the largest number of votes in the country. If they are able to capture Kwankwaso, they have captured Kano State. Kwankwaso controls the entire political structure in the state.”
The Kano State Chairman of NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, reaffirmed Kwankwaso’s influence, stating, “We are his blind followers, wherever he is taking us, we will follow him, we don’t have a problem.”
Rising Membership and Mass Defections
Since its adoption by the coalition, ADC has recorded a steady inflow of new members from across the country. Sources revealed that at least five sitting PDP governors have expressed readiness to align with the party. Additionally, some APC governors, particularly from northern Nigeria, are discreetly supporting the coalition’s objective of unseating President Tinubu.
In Zamfara State, ADC Chairman Kabiru Garba disclosed that more than 100 political figures have joined the party, and that Governor Dauda Lawal is expected to align with the movement following an official invitation.
The wave of defections continued over the weekend, with prominent leaders from Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe States formally joining ADC. In Benue State, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alex Adum, resigned from PDP in a letter dated July 2, 2025. He stated his decision was aimed at helping “rescue Nigeria,” noting the PDP’s unwillingness to join the National Coalition Movement.
Similarly, former Benue commissioner Olofu Samuel and PDP chieftain Ibrahim Amin of Kano State also announced their resignations, citing persistent internal crises within the party. In Niger State, Mohammed Mukhtar cited “deep personal reflection and consultations” as his reason for leaving the PDP. Kano PDP leader Mukhtar Adam echoed similar concerns, pointing to continued internal discord at state and national levels.
In Gombe State, Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu (retired), who contested the 2023 governorship election under PDP, also resigned from the party.
In Yobe State, Babagana Yakubu Mohammed, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mai Mala Buni, resigned from APC and joined ADC. Similarly, Jimin Geoffrey, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, disclosed his consideration to join ADC.
Internal Power Struggle Looms Over Presidential Ticket
As the 2027 election draws nearer, tension is emerging within the coalition over the choice of the party’s presidential candidate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is said to be preparing for another run, while Peter Obi’s supporters are pushing for him to be the coalition’s flag bearer.
Some political observers argue that the ticket should be zoned to the South, favoring Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi. However, there are reports that some northern elements within the ADC are advocating for Atiku as the presidential candidate, with Peter Obi as running mate.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed such an arrangement. “All we have been saying is that wherever Peter Obi goes, we will follow him but we have also made our points clear that Obi is going to be the flag bearer of any party he joins,” Tanko stated.
He added, “We are not considering any other options besides Obi becoming a presidential candidate for the 2027 election in whichever party he joins and we are asking every Nigerian to do so.”
As political dynamics continue to evolve, all eyes remain on the ADC and its ability to manage internal ambitions while consolidating its coalition in preparation for 2027.
