By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 3, 2025 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex‑Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi, and ex‑Senate President David Mark have officially spearheaded a political coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The coalition—revealed at a high‑profile ceremony at Abuja’s Yar’Adua Centre—named David Mark as interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim Secretary of the ADC.
Key Developments
- A ceremony saw ADC’s founding chairman, Ralph Nwosu, formally resign and endorse the new leadership, describing the move as a pivotal step in uniting major opposition figures under one banner.
- In his acceptance address, Mark acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead, calling it a “long, difficult and tedious journey” to restore democratic governance and prevent Nigeria’s drift toward authoritarianism.
- Prominent attendees included Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others. Amaechi, who resigned from the APC recently, emphasized the economic hardship Nigerians currently face, citing runaway inflation and undermined electoral integrity.
- Alongside coalition leaders, former governors, party chairmen, and national figures, such as Victor Umeh, Uche Secondus, and Dele Momodu, were present to endorse the campaign.
Opposition Critique and Internal ADC Tensions
Not all voices welcomed the resurgence of ADC. Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, questioned the legitimacy of the new leadership, branding them “geriatric” leaders looking to reignite old political ambitions—critical of their past governance.
Within ADC, the “Concerned Stakeholders” faction also accused Aregbesola’s appointment of bypassing constitutional norms, arguing it lacked transparency and inclusiveness.
PDP, APC React
PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, reaffirmed the party’s unity, warning that defections to the ADC platform would attract disciplinary action. He emphasized that “PDP is not a coalition party,” and cautioned opportunistic members.
Conversely, the APC dismissed the coalition’s formation, describing the opposition leaders as “retired politicians” eager for renewed influence. Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity, asserted the ADC posed no real electoral threat, drawing on public dissatisfaction with its backers’ previous tenure.
What’s Ahead
The ADC-led coalition aims to build momentum around economic hardship, insecurity, and democratic backsliding. As the 2027 election cycle progresses, these efforts will intensify the dialogue around Nigeria’s political future.
Key Figures & Quotes at the Unveiling
| Figure | Role in Coalition | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| David Mark | Interim ADC National Chairman | Called for “a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.” |
| Rotimi Amaechi | Coalition leader, ex-transport minister | Emphasized the urgent need to tackle “runaway inflation and electoral manipulation.” |
| Ralph Nwosu | Founding ADC chair | Applauded the transition, saying: “We decided to sacrifice so they can lead us to the Villa.” |
The coalition launch signals a bold reconfiguring of opposition politics as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 election — a contest increasingly framed as a referendum on economic hardship, democratic norms, and national security.
