Opposition Heavyweights Unite Under ADC Banner to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

In a significant political maneuver, an array of Nigeria's prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark, have officially joined forces under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner. Their declared aim is to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The coalition's unveiling took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. During the event, David Mark was named the interim National Chairman of the ADC, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola assumed the role of interim National Secretary. Ralph Nwosu, the ADC's founding National Chairman, announced that the party's previous leadership voluntarily stepped aside to allow Mark and Aregbesola to lead the charge in repositioning both the party and the nation.

A Coalition Driven by National Hardship and a Call for Change

The formation of this formidable coalition comes amidst widespread economic hardship and public lamentations stemming from President Tinubu’s recent economic reforms. Opposition parties are keenly aware of the public sentiment and are seeking to leverage it by presenting a united front in the next presidential poll.

The move to form a broad opposition coalition began on March 20, sparking nationwide discussions about the potential impact of a unified opposition. The ADC was formally selected as the coalition's political base on May 19.

Mark's Stirring Acceptance and Accusations Against the Current Administration

In his acceptance speech, David Mark acknowledged the daunting challenge ahead but emphasized the coalition's resolve. "Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy," Mark declared. He described the journey as "long, difficult, and tedious," but one they are prepared to undertake, united by the belief that "no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland."

Mark launched a scathing critique of the current administration, accusing it of gradually steering Nigeria toward a "full-blown civilian dictatorship" by taking control of key democratic institutions. He alleged that the "blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties" is designed to achieve "total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027."

He painted a grim picture of the nation's state, highlighting pervasive corruption, a government seemingly indifferent to accountability, and an overwhelming focus on politicking rather than governance. Mark lamented the widespread hunger, poverty, and alarming levels of insecurity across the nation, where "bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on a daily basis," yet the government appears unresponsive.

Furthermore, Mark condemned the perceived "emasculation of the legislative institution," asserting that the National Assembly has been reduced to a mere "appendage of presidential authority." He argued that this transformation is a "dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people," enabling the government to implement "whimsical, unconstitutional policies" that have exacerbated poverty and insecurity.

"Not About Changing Government, But Changing Nigeria"

The sentiment of profound dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs was echoed by former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, who revealed his resignation from the APC on Tuesday night. Amaechi, expressing surprise at not being expelled earlier, declared, "No, it’s not about changing the government... it’s about changing Nigeria." He lamented the dire economic situation, stating, "People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak." Amaechi stressed the need for a "movement that brings in Nigerians to, on their own, take over government, not us."

A Gathering of Opposition Stalwarts

The unveiling ceremony was a convergence of a broad spectrum of political figures, showcasing the coalition's intent to draw from various political affiliations. Key attendees included:

* 2023 presidential candidates: Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and his running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed.

* Former governors: Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Abdulfattah Ahmed (Kwara), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo), Celestine Omehia (Rivers), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Window Jibrilla (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), and Capt. Idris Wada (Kogi).

* Former National Chairmen: Victor Umeh (APGA), Prince Uche Secondus (PDP), and John Odigie-Oyegun (APC).

* Other notable figures: Former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, Senators Dino Melaye, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Suleiman Nazif, Lee Maeba, and Ishaku Abbo; Chief Dele Momodu; former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar; and activist Aisha Yesufu.

Internal Discord: A "Hijacking" or a "New Beginning"?

Despite the show of unity, the coalition faces internal criticism. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC's 2023 presidential candidate, launched a scathing attack on the new group, branding them as "mostly geriatrics" who are merely "shopping around for a party to prosecute their ‘chopping must continue ambition.’" Kachikwu questioned their legitimacy as "saviors," stating, "We are a nation lacking in the basics, whose majority are poor, but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade. No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright."

Meanwhile, the PDP's Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, maintained his party's unity and warned of "consequences for members undermining the PDP in the name of a coalition." On the other hand, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the opposition leaders as "retired politicians" who have refused to step aside, asserting that the APC would easily defeat them in 2027.

The journey ahead for this newly formed coalition promises to be dynamic, navigating both external opposition and internal challenges as it strives to present a formidable alternative to the current administration.

Posted on: Thu Jul 10 2025 Back to posts