A newly formed alliance of Nigerian opposition parties, spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aims to safeguard the nation’s democratic institutions from perceived overreach by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) framed the coalition’s creation as a response to concerns over authoritarian tendencies and alleged electoral interference under the APC-led government.
Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for decades, stressed that the coalition’s primary objective is to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” rather than serve as a platform for individual ambitions. He dismissed speculation about internal competition for the coalition’s potential 2027 presidential ticket, rejecting claims that figures like himself, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, or former APC members Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai were central to its mission. “This is not about political gladiators,” he said.
The remarks come amid reports by local media, including the Media Talk Africa, suggesting jostling among opposition leaders over the coalition’s future direction. Critics have questioned whether the partnership can sustain unity ahead of the next general elections, given Nigeria’s history of fractious opposition politics. Abubakar, however, characterized the movement as broadly “pro-Nigerian,” distancing it from personal grievances against President Bola Tinubu. “It is not an anti-Tinubu project,” he asserted. “Nigerians must be the ultimate beneficiaries.”
The coalition’s formation reflects deepening anxieties over Nigeria’s electoral integrity after disputed polls in 2023, which opposition parties claimed were marred by irregularities. International observers, including the European Union, noted logistical failures and transparency gaps during the vote. While the APC has consistently denied undermining democratic processes, Abubakar and other critics argue that a consolidated opposition is necessary to prevent further erosion of public trust.
Analysts suggest the ADC-led alliance faces significant challenges, including reconciling policy differences among member parties and mobilizing support in a nation grappling with economic hardships and security crises. Yet, its emergence signals growing efforts to counterbalance the APC’s dominance since it ascended to power in 2015. For now, Abubakar’s emphasis on institutional reform over personal rivalries aims to project the coalition as a principled alternative, though its long-term viability remains untested.
