2027: Atiku, Obi, Mark Lead Coalition, Adopt ADC to Challenge Tinubu

In a major political realignment, prominent opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark—have officially unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the chosen platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The formal launch of the coalition took place on Wednesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. David Mark was named interim National Chairman of the ADC, while former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, assumed the role of interim National Secretary.

However, the development triggered internal discord within the ADC. Its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Dumebi Kachikwu, alongside other longstanding members, condemned the takeover, accusing the new coalition leaders of hijacking the party for personal political ambition. Kachikwu described the move as a gathering of “elderly politicians” with a history of failed leadership.

Reacting to these events, PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, reaffirmed the party’s unity and hinted at disciplinary action against members participating in the coalition without party approval. He stressed that the PDP remains a strong and viable platform and cautioned defectors that they may eventually regret their decision.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for its part, downplayed the new alliance, describing the coalition leaders as politically obsolete. APC’s publicity director, Bala Ibrahim, argued that the same individuals responsible for Nigeria’s challenges cannot now claim to offer solutions.

During his acceptance speech, David Mark emphasized that the coalition’s goal extends beyond electoral victory. He accused the current administration of centralizing power, undermining democracy, and allowing insecurity to thrive across the country. Mark also warned that Nigeria was gradually slipping into a one-party state.

He said, “What we are building is not just a political coalition—it’s a national movement aimed at restoring democracy, rebuilding trust, and ensuring justice for all Nigerians.”

Echoing similar sentiments, founding ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu said party leaders voluntarily stepped down to allow Mark and Aregbesola to lead a new era. He described the moment as a rebirth for both the party and the country.

Speaking at the event, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi declared that he had officially resigned from the APC, expressing concern over rising inflation and deepening poverty. He called for a grassroots-driven political movement to reclaim Nigeria from elite domination.

A host of prominent politicians and activists—including ex-governors, senators, former federal ministers, and civil society figures—were present. Notable attendees included Datti Baba-Ahmed, Dele Momodu, Babachir Lawal, Aisha Yesufu, Nasir El-Rufai, and Ireti Kingibe.

Despite the show of unity, the coalition faced immediate resistance from within the ADC. A faction called “Concerned Stakeholders” rejected Aregbesola’s appointment, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking consultation with party organs.

The controversy continued with PDP leaders divided over their roles in the coalition. Although the PDP formally denied any involvement, prominent party figures—including Atiku, David Mark, and Sule Lamido—expressed open support for the initiative, creating further internal tension.

Damagum reiterated during a press briefing that the PDP would remain focused on its mission to rescue Nigeria and warned that any member undermining the party would face consequences.

Meanwhile, APC’s Bala Ibrahim said the ruling party was not threatened, arguing that the coalition was made up of individuals whose past leadership had contributed to the country’s current problems. He expressed confidence in APC’s ability to retain power in 2027.