WITH the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently adopted as the flagship coalition party for Nigeria’s opposition is grappling with internal challenges and uncertainty as two of its most anticipated entrants, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, continue to withhold formal membership.
The coalition, formed in March 2024 to provide a united opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), is facing dwindling momentum despite high-profile endorsements from Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and others.
Credible sources within the coalition told News Point Nigeria that the refusal of Atiku and Obi to officially register has raised concerns within the party’s leadership.
“So, members of the party, especially the NWC, are seriously worried that Atiku, Obi, and other politicians expected to have joined are yet to come onboard. This is affecting the momentum we’re supposed to build ahead of 2027,” one insider disclosed.
The source added that while Atiku formally exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last month, he has not joined any new platform, leaving him “partyless.”
Similarly, Obi, though actively engaging Nigerians politically, has not registered with the ADC even as his Labour Party continues to battle internal crises.
Compounding the challenges, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to officially recognise Senator David Mark as ADC National Chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola serving as interim National Secretary.
Pending litigations, allegedly backed by elements within the ruling APC, have also slowed progress.
“The ADC still remains a formidable platform to challenge Tinubu in 2027, but INEC’s delay in recognising our leadership and the sponsored litigations are issues we must overcome,” another coalition leader said.
Observers note that without Atiku and Obi, the coalition lacks the political weight and financial resources needed to galvanise Nigerians at the grassroots.
“If they had joined officially, more Nigerians would have followed, resources would flow, and the opposition would already be building strong momentum,” a coalition insider admitted.
When contacted, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that his principal was pulling away from the coalition.
“Atiku is not contemplating leaving. It is propaganda to say so. He remains committed to the coalition arrangement. His membership process is ongoing and will be finalised at the right time,” Ibe assured.
Efforts to reach Obi’s loyalist and Obidient Movement coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
The ADC, despite its current troubles, remains the focal point for opposition unity.
For now, uncertainty lingers. The coalition has the framework, but without its star players stepping fully into the ring, the road to 2027 remains shaky.