ABUJA — As Nigeria’s political landscape braces for the 2027 general elections, the newly formed opposition coalition anchored by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing early tests of unity and legitimacy, amid growing criticism and legal challenges.
Former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has warned that the coalition could implode if not carefully managed. Appearing on TVC’s FCT Brief, Nwosu emphasized that clashing interests and unchecked political ambitions could derail the alliance, which includes prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola. Nwosu, now head of the party’s Integrity Committee, clarified that the resignation of the previous executive followed due process, involving over 12 NEC meetings and consensus among state chairmen. He also defended the appointment of ex-Senate President David Mark and Aregbesola to interim leadership roles, amid claims the platform was sold to power brokers.
The coalition hit turbulence as three ADC members — Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila — dragged the party to the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legitimacy of its new interim leadership. They argue that the appointments of Mark, Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi (Interim Publicity Secretary) violate the ADC’s 2018 constitution and a prior court judgment. No date has been set for the hearing, but the lawsuit adds legal uncertainty to an already fragile coalition.
Former APC spokesperson, Timi Frank, urged the coalition to avoid regional bias in selecting its presidential candidate. In a statement, he described any move to field a southern-only ticket as divisive, insisting that competence and national acceptability must guide the decision. Frank said Nigeria needs a president for all Nigerians, not just the South, and advised that the coalition prioritise free and fair primaries to allow the best candidate to emerge.
Reacting to the coalition’s emergence, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed any threat to President Tinubu’s re-election. Party spokesperson Felix Morka said the president is doing exactly what Nigerians elected him to do, citing bold steps to tackle long-standing economic and security challenges. Morka added that the APC has no reason to be jittery, stressing Tinubu’s political will to confront national issues head-on.
Meanwhile, the ADC has accused unnamed federal officials of plotting to destabilise the coalition. In a statement by Interim Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that its state executives in the North-East and North-West were summoned to secret meetings aimed at undermining the alliance. The party claimed the meetings were not related to national security but rather intended to coerce the officials into betraying the coalition. Abdullahi described the move as sabotage and a threat to multiparty democracy, warning that this is how one-party states begin. He urged President Tinubu to call his appointees to order and respect the democratic process.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has opted out of the coalition, citing structural independence and lack of clarity. Speaking to BBC Hausa, NNPP BoT Secretary Buba Galadima said the party was never approached to lead or co-anchor the alliance and would not abandon its own political machinery. He questioned the basis of such a request, arguing that the NNPP has built its own platform with substantial national influence.
Amid swirling speculation of a cold war between former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu, presidential aide Garba Shehu has dismissed the rumours. Speaking on Trust TV, Shehu said there is no formal rift and emphasized Buhari’s continued loyalty to the APC. He said Buhari remains grateful to the party that gave him two terms in office and reaffirmed the former president’s commitment to the party’s unity and progress.
As the coalition strives to present a united front, the coming months will test whether it can overcome internal disputes, legal hurdles, and strategic missteps to mount a credible challenge in 2027.
