The early momentum that greeted the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition appears to be fading, amid the reluctance of key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi to formally register with the party.
The coalition, which brings together prominent politicians including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Babachir Lawal and Abubakar Malami, had raised hopes of a formidable front against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. David Mark was controversially announced as interim national chairman while Aregbesola was named national secretary.
However, Daily Post investigations reveal that the ADC is struggling to consolidate its position because Atiku and Obi have not taken the decisive step of ward-level registration, a requirement under both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. While Atiku has left the PDP, he has remained without a party. Obi, meanwhile, has maintained that he remains in the Labour Party, raising concerns that his dual involvement could be interpreted as anti-party activity.
The ADC National Working Committee has repeatedly appealed to the leaders to make their membership official, warning that failure to comply could create legal and credibility challenges. Acting National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, expressed frustration that some leaders parading themselves as coalition members had not yet registered.
Speculation about Obi’s next move intensified after former Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, claimed on Channels Television that Obi was considering a return to the PDP to contest its presidential ticket in 2027, setting up a possible clash with Atiku. The ADC has strongly denied the report, with its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisting that Obi remains aligned with the coalition.
Political observers suggest that the hesitation by Atiku and Obi may be strategic, designed to prevent the ruling APC from destabilizing the ADC before its structure is fully consolidated. Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former APC chieftain, argued that both leaders are working quietly to strengthen the coalition and could officially join before the end of September.
Others, however, warn that the delay risks undermining public confidence in the coalition. Chief Peter Ameh, a former CUPP National Secretary, stressed that Obi remains the most potent political force in the opposition, citing his cross-regional support base and his historic electoral performance in 2023. Ameh insisted that Obi is the only candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi has moved decisively, taking the ADC machinery into Rivers State and making his intentions for 2027 clear, in contrast to the ambiguity surrounding Atiku and Obi.
As the opposition coalition navigates internal uncertainty, the spotlight remains firmly on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, whose decisions in the coming months may ultimately determine whether the ADC emerges as a credible alternative platform for the 2027 presidential race.
