As political alignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 general elections, debates continue over the viability of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Observers caution that the adoption of ADC, or any new political vehicle, must not be treated as a mere chess move. They argue that Nigerians need a coalition built on justice, accountability, and restructuring, not another gathering of recycled ambitions.
“The coalition must go beyond press briefings and photo opportunities,” one commentator stressed. “It must show moral courage, constitutional clarity, and a genuine plan to end monopolisation of power. Nigerians are not just tired of APC — they are weary of a political class without vision.”
The question of whether a coalition can unseat the APC under President Bola Tinubu remains open. Analysts note that such a feat would require strategic discipline, grassroots mobilisation, and digital organisation. “Tinubu is not invincible, but incumbency is desperate. Power belongs to the people, and that power must be reclaimed,” they added.
Speculation has also emerged about the possibility of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi becoming the standard bearer of the coalition under the ADC. While some argue that Obi’s one-term proposition signals urgency and reform, others insist that political parties must prioritise ideology over personal ambition.
The coalition, however, faces criticism. Minister of Works, David Umahi, recently dismissed it as faceless and lacking credibility, while defending the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. But critics argue that the ruling party’s stance deepens division in a fragile federation.
On the integrity of those joining the movement, concerns remain that many defectors are motivated by hunger for power rather than genuine reform. Analysts warn that if the coalition becomes another “coalition of convenience,” it will collapse. Instead, they insist Nigeria requires a “coalition of conscience” that acknowledges past failures and charts a new direction.
Beyond the coalition politics, legal battles are also unfolding. A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court challenging the tenure elongation of the Comptroller-General of Customs. According to the plaintiff, the action is driven by constitutional concerns, warning that creating “an elite class of public servants above the law” undermines democracy and national security.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the coalition’s fate depends on whether it can transcend rhetoric, embrace reform, and win the trust of disillusioned Nigerians who seek a break from the old order.
