In a significant development ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, political heavyweights Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have agreed to form a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu.
This coalition also includes former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other influential leaders.
Sources close to the coalition talks, speaking anonymously, confirmed that a crucial meeting took place on Tuesday night in Abuja where the camps of Atiku and Obi decided to adopt the ADC as their primary platform. Plans to restructure and strengthen the ADC are already underway, with leadership changes expected to be announced soon.
El-Rufai, confirming the meeting on Wednesday, emphasized the coalition’s goal: “to ensure that President Tinubu returns to Lagos in 2027.” He described the gathering as a pivotal moment in opposition politics, underscoring the urgency to unseat the incumbent.
Ralph Nwosu, ADC National Chairman, revealed that discussions are ongoing not only with Atiku and Obi but also with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other political figures. “We believe that if all of them work together, we can deliver this country,” Nwosu stated, reiterating the party’s readiness to make necessary sacrifices.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the coalition’s prospects, calling President Tinubu “the grandmaster of coalitions” and predicting a victory for the incumbent in 2027. “If indeed they believe they won the 2023 election, why are they talking about a coalition for 2027?” Basiru questioned.
The coalition leaders have also agreed to ensure a level playing field for all presidential aspirants regardless of geopolitical origin. Discussions about a single-term presidency and vice-presidential slot remain ongoing, with no final decisions made.
While some coalition figures like El-Rufai are affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), plans are underway to forge alliances between the ADC, SDP, and other platforms to consolidate opposition forces.
Atiku’s media aide Paul Ibe and Obi’s coalition secretary Peter Ahmeh have reaffirmed their leaders’ commitment to the coalition, despite not confirming the specifics of the recent meeting. The Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP) spokesperson Mark Adebayo assured that Nigerians will soon be briefed on the coalition’s progress.
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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as “off-limits” due to internal issues, stating, “PDP has an incurable virus. No anti-biotics can cure what is ailing the PDP.”
As the opposition unites under the ADC banner, the political landscape is set for a highly contested 2027 election, with both sides preparing for a fierce battle.
