In a bold move ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to build a broad political coalition, drawing high-profile politicians from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) into its orbit.
Although the ADC has already taken over PDP structures in states like Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa, many prominent political figures are still in talks and yet to formally announce their defections.
Coalition Momentum Gathers Steam
Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, confirmed the shifting political tides, noting that the PDP executives in several northern states had already aligned with the ADC-led coalition.
“The movement is gaining traction. Atiku Abubakar will continue to provide direction to ensure the coalition evolves into a formidable, robust, and viable platform,” Ibe said.
He compared the delicate process of building alliances to a young marriage, stressing that while early challenges are inevitable, the long-term goal is unity and strength across ward, LGA, and state levels.
PDP: ‘Good Riddance’ to Defectors
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, Austin Nwachukwu, dismissed the reports of mass defections as exaggerated and insignificant.
“Those leaving are over 70. What are they still looking for—retirement benefits? Many have returned. The PDP is stronger than ever,” Nwachukwu said, branding the reports as “fake news” and political propaganda.
ADC Emerges as Leading Opposition Force
Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Spokesperson of the ADC, said the coalition is open to members from all parties—including Labour Party, SDP, and NNPP—and is focused on rescuing Nigeria from APC’s misrule.
“This coalition is not about personal ambitions. It is about salvaging the country. We’re not here to trade insults but to propose solutions,” he said.
He emphasised the ADC’s position as a rising alternative, attracting widespread interest as frustrations mount over Nigeria’s economic woes and leadership failures.
Zulum Denies APC Exit Rumours
Amidst speculations that he would lead a group of governors to the ADC, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State refuted the claims, labeling them as “mischievous fabrications.”
“My loyalty to the APC remains firm. I urge the public to ignore such distractions,” he stated via his media aide, Dauda Iliya.
Peter Obi: Still Labour, but Coalition-Bound
On his part, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, clarified that while he remains a member of the LP, the opposition has adopted the ADC as a coalition platform for 2027.
“Today, I am still in Labour Party, but we have agreed to work in coalition using the ADC. The aim is to work together for a better Nigeria,” he told Channels TV.
He also reaffirmed his presidential ambition, dismissing rumours of a possible running mate role to Atiku.
“I’m running for President, not Vice President. I’m part of the coalition to produce a capable leader—whoever that is. It’s about Nigeria, not personal ambition,” he added.
APC Responds: ‘Opposition Is Confused’
Dr Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary, described the coalition as a “fraudulent alliance” of frustrated and displaced politicians, rather than a genuine political force.
“This is not a coalition. It’s a deliberate attempt to confuse Nigerians. If they were serious, they’d merge and withdraw their party certificates like APC did in 2015,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that APC is worried about the coalition, stating the party is gaining ground, particularly in regions it previously struggled.
ADC Slams FG Reforms as ‘Optics’
The ADC also accused the Federal Government of prioritising political survival over governance, especially in the area of food security.
“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet about removing bottlenecks to food exports is not reform—it’s a confession that the government has done nothing until now,” said Bolaji Abdullahi in a fiery statement.
He said the recent flurry of reforms was driven by fear of the ADC’s growing popularity and the 2027 elections—not national interest.
“It took the emergence of ADC to jolt the government into action. They didn’t respond to hunger; they responded to fear,” he added.
Wike Fires at ADC Leaders: ‘You Failed Nigerians’
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took aim at several ADC coalition leaders, including Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi, accusing them of failing Nigeria during their time in office.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service in Abuja, Wike berated Aregbesola for inefficiency as Interior Minister:
“You were Interior Minister, and Nigerians waited weeks for passports. Today, within hours, it’s done. Nigerians are angry—yes, at you!”
Taking a swipe at Atiku, he said:
“In 1999, you were in one party. In 2006, another. In 2014, you moved again. In 2019, you returned. Now in 2025, you’re switching again—rescuing who? Your stomach?”
He also slammed David Mark, former Senate President, for failing to provide roads to his local government in eight years:
“Now you say you want to rescue Nigeria? From what—your own failures?”
On Amaechi, Wike said:
“You were Speaker, Governor, Minister—24 years in power. Yet Nigerians are angry now? They’re angry because you mortgaged the country with Chinese loans.”
He concluded with a challenge:
“Come and test your popularity in Abuja. Let’s see if Abuja is not working under this administration.”
