In a major political realignment that promises to reshape Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other influential leaders have united under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This coalition marks a historic attempt to consolidate opposition forces that were previously fragmented, a factor widely believed to have contributed to Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 elections. The alliance aims to present a united front capable of ending Tinubu’s administration and addressing the country’s pressing challenges such as economic hardship, insecurity, and governance deficits.
The coalition’s formal adoption of the ADC as its political platform was announced in early July 2025 at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. This decision came after extensive deliberations among opposition leaders who recognized the need to avoid the vote-splitting that undermined their efforts in previous elections.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, emphasized that the coalition’s choice of ADC was driven by a commitment to “competent, capable, and compassionate leadership” that prioritizes Nigerians’ welfare. Obi acknowledged the necessity of collaboration, stating, “No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy.”
Alongside Obi and Atiku, the coalition includes other key figures such as former Senate President David Mark, who was appointed interim National Chairman of the ADC, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, named interim National Secretary. Their appointments reflect a strategic effort to leverage experienced political operatives to steer the coalition through the transitional phase and into the 2027 elections.
The coalition has attracted a broad spectrum of political heavyweights, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, both of whom have defected from the APC to join the opposition alliance. This influx of former ruling party members suggests growing dissatisfaction within the APC ranks and lends credence to the coalition’s claim of being a formidable alternative to Tinubu’s government.
The coalition’s formation also highlights the ongoing internal struggles within Nigeria’s major political parties. Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Atiku, and the Labour Party, associated with Obi, have experienced internal crises and defections, which some analysts believe were exacerbated by external political maneuvers. By coalescing under the ADC, these leaders aim to overcome party factionalism and present a united opposition front.
The coalition’s strategy is informed by the 2023 election results, where Tinubu won with just 37% of the vote, while Atiku and Obi split the opposition vote with 29% and 25%, respectively. Analysts argue that if Atiku and Obi had combined forces then, they might have defeated Tinubu. This realization has driven their current collaboration.
Political analyst Ben Kenneth remarked, “If you look at what Atiku and Obi received in the last election, it’s clear they would have won if they had collaborated, so it’s encouraging that they have recognized their interdependence.”
However, some observers remain cautious. Analyst Sani Hamisu noted that incumbents in Nigeria and Africa generally have an electoral advantage, stating, “In Nigeria and Africa, incumbents seeking a second term rarely lose, and that’s why I think Tinubu’s prospects are better now than when he was not in office in 2019.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the coalition, there are concerns about internal cohesion and personal ambitions. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, criticized the coalition’s leadership, suggesting that many members are driven by selfish interests rather than genuine commitment to unseating Tinubu. He argued that defeating Tinubu requires long-term strategic planning and sacrifice, which he doubts the coalition currently embodies.
Baba-Ahmed pointed out Tinubu’s political patience and strategic alliances over 16 years, including backing other candidates before finally securing the presidency himself. He warned “If this coalition thinks it’s business as usual, it won’t work. It has to be less about individual ambition and more about Nigeria. More action, less talk.”
The coalition’s emergence comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant economic and security challenges, fueling public discontent. The opposition coalition frames its mission as a fight for the “soul of the nation,” aiming to restore democratic principles and address widespread hunger and insecurity.
According to a spokesperson for Obi’s movement, the coalition is a united endeavor to reboot Nigeria’s political system and prevent the country from sliding into a one-party state dominated by the APC. They argue that the current administration has failed to deliver on promises, necessitating a new leadership approach focused on inclusivity and national welfare.
The coalition’s decision to use the ADC as a platform also reflects practical considerations. The All Democratic Alliance (ADA), initially preferred by the coalition, has faced delays in registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Therefore, the ADC serves as an interim but fully operational vehicle for political mobilization nationwide.
With the coalition now firmly established, political watchers anticipate a fiercely contested 2027 election. The united opposition hopes to capitalize on Nigeria’s yearning for change and the APC’s internal challenges. The coalition’s leadership structure, combining seasoned politicians with grassroots support, aims to leverage lessons from past elections to improve electoral prospects.
While the formal announcement of presidential and vice-presidential candidates is still pending, speculation suggests Atiku Abubakar may run for president again, potentially with Peter Obi as his running mate. This ticket would symbolize a powerful alliance of Nigeria’s leading opposition figures, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape.
However, the coalition must overcome significant hurdles, including managing internal ambitions, sustaining unity, and countering the entrenched advantages of incumbency. The APC, under Tinubu’s leadership, remains a formidable force with a strong political machinery and significant resources.
The alliance of Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and other political heavyweights under the African Democratic Congress represents a critical development in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It signals a strategic consolidation designed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s grip on power in 2027 by uniting fragmented opposition forces.
While the coalition faces challenges of internal cohesion and the daunting task of overcoming an incumbent with deep political roots, it embodies a collective resolve to offer Nigerians an alternative leadership vision focused on competence, compassion, and national unity.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the political landscape is set for a dramatic contest that could redefine the country’s governance trajectory and democratic future. The success of this coalition will depend on its ability to translate unity into effective political strategy and voter mobilization against an entrenched ruling party.
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