The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says discussions on forming a broad opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general Elections remain active, insisting the window for unity has not closed.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the ADC still believes a robust, united opposition offers the only viable path to unseat the incumbent administration. “We still have not given up the possibility,” Abdullahi said. “Don’t forget that we started this coalition building. And we still believe that the window has not closed for the possibility of building a coalition ahead of 2027 because we believe that the opposition stands a better chance if we are all working together.”
The remarks come after the collapse of an earlier opposition arrangement that had included former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Both politicians exited the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in May 2025, citing internal crises and legal disputes within the ADC.
Following their departure, the ADC held a primary election that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential flagbearer, with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi named as his running mate.
Abdullahi emphasized that the party’s commitment to coalition-building endures despite the setbacks. He described the ADC as a convener willing to accommodate diverse political interests to mount a credible challenge to the ruling party.
The development underscores the fluidity of Nigeria’s opposition landscape as political actors reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle. While the ADC signals openness to renewed talks, the fragmentation illustrated by the Obi-Kwankwaso exit highlights the structural and personal rivalries that have historically hindered sustained opposition unity.
Analysts note that any viable coalition would require reconciling competing ambitions among leading opposition figures, many of whom command distinct regional and demographic bases. The ADC’s next moves, and the response from other opposition platforms, will test whether a consolidated front can emerge before the 2027 polls.
