Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Launch ADC Coalition for 2027 Nigeria Elections
A seismic shift rocks Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have united to form a formidable opposition coalition. Their goal? To challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. They have chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform. This move, confirmed by sources, sends shockwaves through political circles. It raises questions about the coalition’s strength and its potential to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Strategic Alliance Takes Shape
The coalition emerged from a high-stakes meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night. Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and key stakeholders finalized their framework. El-Rufai spoke at the Arewa TechFest in Katsina on Wednesday. He confirmed the coalition’s formation and its adoption of the ADC. “Last night, we met to ensure President Tinubu returns to Lagos in 2027,” he declared. His words signal a bold challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid. The coalition aims to consolidate opposition forces and reshape Nigeria’s political future.
Why the ADC?
The coalition carefully chose the ADC as its platform. Sources say the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was deemed too fractured. “The PDP is broken,” an anonymous source stated. The ADC, less prominent but structurally sound, offers flexibility. It lacks the factionalism plaguing larger parties. Mani Ahmed, ADC’s Board of Trustees Chairman, hinted at the party’s readiness. This decision followed months of speculation about a unified opposition. Meetings in London and the U.S. reportedly laid the groundwork.
Leaders with Diverse Strengths
Atiku brings decades of political experience. As Vice President from 1999 to 2007, he wields significant influence. Yet, his repeated electoral losses spark doubts about his appeal. Peter Obi, however, energized voters in 2023. His Labour Party campaign inspired Nigeria’s youth with promises of reform. El-Rufai, a former APC stalwart, defected to the Social Democratic Party in March 2025. His governance of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023 adds administrative credibility. Together, they span Nigeria’s diverse regions, posing a serious threat to the APC.
Building a Broad-Based Movement
The coalition seeks more than political alliances. It aims to engage civil society, technocrats, and disgruntled blocs. Committees now work on logistics, candidate selection, and policy development. Insiders suggest a public launch by mid-2025. The coalition’s momentum builds on earlier global discussions. Obi and El-Rufai’s meetings abroad underscore their strategic planning. Yet, challenges loom. PDP governors, like Oyo’s Seyi Makinde, rejected the coalition in April 2025. They argue the PDP remains the main opposition platform.
Critics and Supporters Weigh In
Controversy surrounds the coalition. Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, called it a self-serving elite maneuver. He warned against prioritizing personal ambitions. Atiku’s aide, Abdul Rasheeth, countered, “We will overcome plots against Nigeria in 2027, Inshallah.” The APC dismissed the coalition as “opportunistic.” Senator Ajibola Bashiru questioned its leaders’ credibility. The presidency mocked it as a “wild goose chase.” Still, analysts see potential. In 2023, Atiku and Obi outpolled Tinubu’s 8.7 million votes combined. A united front could shift the electoral tide.
Public Sentiment and Electoral Prospects
Social media reflects mixed views. On X, some praise the coalition as a “bold move” for change. Others doubt its unity, citing past rivalries. One user wrote, “If Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai set egos aside, Nigeria could have hope.” Another warned, “Recycled leaders may fail us again.” The coalition must articulate a clear vision. The ADC offers a fresh platform to appeal to Nigeria’s diverse electorate. Yet, navigating regional differences and countering the APC’s machinery will test its resolve.
A Pivotal Moment for Nigeria
The 2027 elections loom large. The coalition’s success depends on unity and a compelling agenda. The ADC, though minor, provides a clean slate. Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai have set a high-stakes stage. Their alliance marks a pivotal moment. Nigerians watch closely, balancing hope with caution. This coalition could herald a new chapter in Nigeria’s democracy. Whether it delivers remains uncertain, but its formation signals a fierce battle ahead.
