Governors in Talks with ADC as Coalition Targets 2027 Presidency

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the adopted platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition, is in active negotiations to secure the allegiance of at least five sitting governors ahead of the 2027 general elections. This strategic push, insiders say, follows months of internal planning and could significantly shift the country’s political landscape.

According to senior party figures, the ADC is capitalizing on divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is already in discussions with multiple governors—both from the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Although the identities of the governors remain undisclosed, sources within the coalition suggest that several have privately pledged support, awaiting internal resolutions within their current parties before making public moves.

The ADC was officially endorsed on Wednesday by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark. Mark was named the interim national chairman, while former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola was appointed interim national secretary. This announcement marked the formal adoption of the ADC as the coalition’s political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Since then, the coalition has drawn a wave of notable defections. Former APC stalwarts such as ex-National Chairman John Oyegun, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have resigned from the APC to join the ADC. They are joined by several prominent PDP figures, including former party chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and six former governors from across the country.

Additionally, Labour Party senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, attended the coalition’s unveiling, signaling broader opposition alignment.

Amid this momentum, ADC insiders remain confident that their discussions with governors will yield public defections after key political events, such as the PDP’s next national convention. One source, a former senator from Katsina, confirmed that talks with five governors are “well advanced,” while another aide to a former minister said seven governors—across both southern and northern Nigeria—are being engaged discreetly.

While the opposition coalition gains ground, leaders within the PDP and APC have dismissed the ADC’s prospects. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba called reports of impending defections “hallucinations,” maintaining that the party’s governors remain united. Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused the coalition of attempting to distract President Tinubu and insisted their efforts would ultimately fail.

Despite these criticisms, the ADC continues to grow. In recent days, five additional PDP leaders from Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states submitted their resignation letters, citing internal party crises and a desire to support a broader national movement. Former Attorney General of Benue State, Alex Adum, wrote that his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the party’s refusal to align with the new national coalition.

While public criticism of the ADC’s platform persists, its leaders remain focused on deepening political alliances and building momentum across state lines. As 2027 approaches, the ADC’s behind-the-scenes negotiations may prove critical in reshaping Nigeria’s political balance.