2027 Presidency: Coalition Demands Atiku, Obi’s Full Membership

The opposition coalition has directed its members to formally resign from their current political parties and fully join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, after a caucus meeting attended by senior party leaders and political heavyweights.

Although no deadline was given, Abdullahi stressed that the caucus agreed all presidential aspirants must contest under the ADC and support whoever emerges from the primaries. He added that pending issues concerning the African Democratic Association had been laid to rest, with focus now fully on the ADC as the coalition’s platform.

Among those at the meeting were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, National Chairman David Mark, and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.

The ADC also announced plans to release schedules for primaries in Osun and Ekiti states ahead of upcoming governorship elections.

APC, PDP, NNPP React

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the ADC’s directive as inconsequential. APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said defections and realignments are normal in politics and insisted the coalition lacks the strength to threaten the APC’s dominance.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) downplayed the move. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the directive would help clarify party loyalty but posed no danger to the PDP’s fortunes.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also waved off concerns, with its spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, likening the current political atmosphere to a “transfer window” where parties lose and gain members. He added that Rabiu Kwankwaso and the NNPP remain pivotal ahead of 2027, particularly in the North-West.

The Labour Party declined to comment on the coalition’s decision.

ADC’s 2027 Push

At a parallel event in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ADC leaders vowed to “rescue Nigeria” from years of mismanagement under the ruling APC. Former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu said the party was working in line with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s earlier prediction that the ADC would become a dominant force by 2027.

Nwosu, alongside Deputy National Chairman Dr Bamidele Ajadi and Ogun State Chairman Femi Soluade, urged Nigerians to register and obtain voter cards, promising a people-focused government that prioritises youth employment, agricultural revival, infrastructure, and education.

“Our state and nation have been denied the progress they deserve. Enough is enough. By 2027, we must end bad governance and return power to the people,” Soluade declared.