TOWARDS 2027: THE STATE OF NIGERIAN POLITICS AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE ADC AS A COALITION
Will the ADC Coalition with notable Nigerian Political Leaders be Successful in the Quest to Topple the APC come 2027?
By Amana Alkali
Adc
Nigeria
Peter obi
Apc
Coalition
Pdp
Obidient
As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, its political landscape is witnessing a historic transformation. There seems to be growing disenchantment toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a visible weakening of the structure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In turn, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has re-emerged and sprung up, not just as a party, but now as the nucleus of a formidable opposition coalition. This new development could signal a seismic shift in Nigerian politics.
A Nation at Political Crossroads
Since 2015, when the APC assumed power, little or nothing important has changed when it comes to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges. Some persons argue that these challenges have intensified. Inflation reached 33.95% in May 2025 (NBS), youth unemployment remains persistently high, and insecurity continues to plague several regions.
Amid these challenges, trust in the two dominant political parties, the APC and the PDP, has significantly declined. This loss of public confidence has created space for alternative political alignments, leading to the birth of a broad opposition front, anchored by the ADC.
The ADC's Transformation from Party to Platform
Founded in 2005, the ADC was once a minor party, often overlooked in national discourse. However, in a bold move, the party amended its constitution in March 2025 to allow new members, regardless of prior party affiliation, to immediately contest elective positions. This strategic pivot was designed to attract credible defectors and galvanize a broader movement.
In July 2025, the ADC officially became the political platform for a unified opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections. This move followed more than a year of consultations among key opposition figures across party lines.
Who’s Joining the ADC Coalition?
The coalition comprises a broad spectrum of political heavyweights and civic actors:
- Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, is a leading force in the coalition.
- Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, is reportedly part of the talks and supports the realignment.
- David Mark, former Senate President, was appointed interim National Chair of the coalition.
- Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior (under APC), now serves as the Interim Secretary.
- Former governors, legislators, and activists, including elements from the Labour Party, PDP, APC defectors, and civil society movements such as the Obidient Movement, have seemingly merged into the coalition structure.
Additionally, several state chairmen of the ADC have publicly declared support for the coalition, even offering to step aside for new entrants where necessary to foster unity and collective purpose.
The ADC has also expanded its base internationally, setting up diaspora chapters in the United States, the UK, Canada, France, and South Africa, bringing in politically active Nigerians abroad and further energizing the movement.
Coalition Objectives and Political Significance
The coalition is not merely an electoral alliance by the way it has presented itself. It has put forth the following aims to present a governance alternative based on five pillars:
- Democratic Reforms: Internal party democracy, credible primaries, and candidate selection processes.
- Youth & Gender Inclusion: With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under 35, the coalition seeks to engage and mobilize youth and women meaningfully.
- Economic Renewal: Policies centered on job creation, entrepreneurship, and macroeconomic stability.
- Security Sector Reform: Decentralized policing and enhanced community safety.
- National Unity & Ethnic Inclusion: Reducing polarization by promoting an inclusive government.
Through grassroots campaigns such as the State Convergence Tours, the coalition has engaged with over 30 states and is targeting 35 million voters, with a focus on young Nigerians and first-time voters.
Challenges and Internal Frictions
While the momentum is undeniable, the coalition faces significant hurdles. Critics, including Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, have publicly opposed the coalition’s leadership transition, labeling it undemocratic. Some fear that the new alliance could simply repackage old elites without offering real change.
Moreover, the risk of fragmentation persists. Differences in ideology, personal ambitions, and regional interests could threaten the coalition’s stability if not properly managed. Candidate selection, particularly for the presidency, will be the ultimate test of unity.
Implications for Nigerian Politics
The rise of the ADC as a coalition vehicle represents a departure from Nigeria’s traditional two-party dominance. It introduces a third force not based on ethnicity or religion, but a collective disillusionment with the existing order.
If successful, this coalition could:
- Break the duopoly of APC and PDP, forcing more issue-based politics.
- Shift political power to a younger, more engaged electorate.
- Increase diaspora involvement in Nigerian elections.
- Encourage future party formations to be more inclusive and policy-driven.
The presence of credible figures such as Atiku and Aregbesola, despite their past political baggage, which some find questionable, provides the coalition with experience and reach. Simultaneously, movements like the Obidient Youth Network could infuse it with energy and credibility.
Real Change or Familiar Faces? Time will Tell
The ADC-led coalition is a bold political experiment. It offers a rare opportunity to disrupt entrenched systems, promote merit over muscle, and refocus the national conversation on governance, not just politicking.
However, the success of this movement hinges on its ability to remain unified, run credible primaries, and present a compelling, actionable alternative to Nigerians. If it falters under the weight of internal ambition or elitist capture, it may reinforce voter cynicism.
But if it succeeds, through inclusivity, integrity, and innovative campaign strategies, it may very well reshape the face of Nigerian democracy come 2027.
