The prospects of a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections have suffered a significant setback following the collapse of a coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress.
The alliance, which was expected to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election cycle, has fractured over disagreements surrounding the party’s presidential ticket.
Key political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai, ex Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, had initially aligned under the ADC platform in a bid to mount a strong challenge in 2027.
The coalition later expanded to include prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside other stakeholders across political divides.
However, internal disagreements, particularly over the zoning of the presidential ticket and leadership disputes within the party, triggered divisions among members.
Negotiations to produce a consensus candidate reportedly collapsed after prolonged deadlock between camps loyal to Atiku and Obi, with both sides laying claim to the party’s ticket.
The crisis was further compounded by a prolonged leadership tussle within the ADC. Following the resignation of the party’s National Working Committee, an interim structure led by David Mark was introduced, but was challenged by a faction led by Nafiu Bala, who insisted he remained the rightful national chairman.
Legal battles ensued, with the matter progressing from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal and eventually the Supreme Court. While the apex court restored the David Mark led leadership, it directed parties to return to the trial court for continuation of the case.
Amid the lingering uncertainty, political realignments have intensified. Obi and Kwankwaso have exited the ADC to join another platform, while several lawmakers and party members have also resigned, citing the unresolved internal crisis.
Observers note that the inability of the opposition to unite under a single candidate may weaken its chances in 2027, potentially replicating the fragmented voting pattern seen in previous elections.
Commenting on the development, an ADC chieftain in Benue State, Dr Shiminenge Damna, alleged that the crisis plays into the hands of the ruling party.
“President Tinubu is not afraid of Atiku, he is not afraid of Peter Obi, neither is he afraid of Kwankwaso but he is definitely afraid of them coming together. This is the reason for the crisis in ADC.
“They have succeeded in scattering the leaders. The only thing that will be difficult for them now is how to separate Obi and Kwankwaso, but as it stands, Atiku is going to be on ballot and Obi will be on ballot too.
“The divided vote that gave Tinubu victory in 2023 is what they’re about to repeat in 2027,” he said.
He further suggested that the crisis could soon subside, alleging that underlying political interests may have already achieved their objectives.
As developments continue, attention remains on whether the opposition can reorganise and present a unified front ahead of the elections.
