By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
In a decisive move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the opposition coalition has urged prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, to resign from their current political parties and formally declare full membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This call is part of a strategic push to consolidate opposition forces and present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The directive emerged from a closed-door meeting convened by the interim National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, on Thursday. According to coalition insiders, the move seeks to strengthen party cohesion, ensure loyalty among members, and streamline the process of selecting the party’s presidential candidate.
Key Points from the Coalition’s Directive
- Full Membership Requirement: All coalition members, including Atiku and Obi, are expected to formally join the ADC by resigning from their current political affiliations. While no strict deadline has been specified, the coalition emphasizes immediate action to avoid fragmentation.
- Suspension of ADA Registration: The coalition has decided to suspend ongoing registration processes for the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), choosing instead to concentrate efforts under the ADC platform. This step is intended to reduce divisions among opposition forces.
- Unified Support for Presidential Candidate: Coalition members have pledged to support whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate during the primaries, signaling a commitment to unity and shared objectives in the forthcoming elections.
Reactions from Other Political Parties
- APC Response: The ruling party has largely dismissed the coalition’s directive. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the move as inconsequential and stated that the APC frequently welcomes defectors from other parties, remaining confident in its electoral strength.
- PDP Perspective: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also downplayed the directive. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor welcomed the coalition’s initiative, suggesting it provides an opportunity to identify committed party members. He reassured that the PDP is focused on its internal strategies and is unperturbed by the ADC coalition’s maneuvers.
Background on the ADC Coalition
The ADC coalition, formed on July 2, 2025, brings together key opposition figures with a shared goal of challenging APC dominance in the upcoming elections. Members include:
- Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President
- Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor
- Senator David Mark, former Senate President
- Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor
- Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State Governor
- Chibuike Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor
The coalition aims to create a unified opposition platform capable of presenting a credible alternative to the APC, leveraging the political influence and followership of its members across various regions of Nigeria.
Analysts suggest that the coalition’s directive could significantly reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape, particularly if high-profile figures like Atiku and Obi commit fully to the ADC. A unified opposition may increase competitiveness in key battleground states, while also forcing the APC to strategize against a more cohesive opposition front.
“The ADC coalition is attempting to consolidate forces ahead of 2027. Their success will depend on the willingness of key leaders to fully align, and the ability of the coalition to maintain unity amidst competing interests,” said political analyst Halima Suleiman.
Observers note that while the directive is ambitious, it highlights a broader trend in Nigerian politics where coalitions and defections play a decisive role in shaping election outcomes.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the ADC coalition’s call for full membership underscores the urgency of opposition unity. The decisions of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other influential politicians will not only determine the coalition’s strength but could also influence the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s political environment.
The coming months are expected to reveal whether these leaders will heed the call, formalize their commitment, and actively participate in consolidating the ADC as a dominant opposition platform.
