Obi And Atiku Unite With Coalition-Backed African Democratic Congress Ahead Of 2027

The opposition coalition achieved what appears to be its first significant milestone in attempting to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for control in 2027, when the movement officially selected African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its designated political vehicle for the upcoming elections in the late hours of Wednesday.

Following ADC’s selection, the coalition named former Senate President David Mark as national chairman and former Osun State governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as national secretary. Former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, was designated as the party’s spokesperson.

Several notable Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders urged fellow party members to align with the coalition in preparation for the 2027 election.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi; former Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali; and former National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, were among the party leaders who advocated for reconsidering the current political landscape.

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These leaders argued that both the opposition PDP and ruling APC have disappointed Nigeria and its citizens.

Following an extended meeting that concluded shortly after midnight, the coalition overcame a significant obstacle in its mission to influence the 2027 general election and challenge the incumbent APC.

The coalition had previously expressed plans to register a new party called All Democratic Alliance (ADA) after initial negotiations with ADC and Social Democratic Party (SDP) collapsed.

However, when it appeared the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might obstruct new registration efforts, the coalition adjusted its approach and renewed discussions with ADC.

Six-time presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has actively championed the coalition, characterized the development as “A New Day Beckons,” on his social media platforms.

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who also participated in the coalition meeting, stated that the coalition’s “commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 General Elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nation’s future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first.”

“This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward,” the former Anambra State governor said.

“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.”