Opposition Coalition Set to Adopt ADC as 2027 Election Platform

The coalition of Nigeria’s major opposition figures is expected to formally adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform on Wednesday, barring any last-minute changes. The move is aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the decision to adopt the ADC follows rising concerns that the coalition’s proposed new party—the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—may not receive timely registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meet critical electoral deadlines. Although the coalition initially pursued talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), those discussions fell through in May, prompting a shift toward the ADC.

The coalition, unveiled in March, includes prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Despite early disagreements over a common platform, most coalition leaders now back the ADC, which has moved from a fringe party to a central player in opposition politics.

Dr Umar Ardo, a coalition leader and convener of the Northern League of Democrats, confirmed the decision in an interview Monday. He said most coalition leaders have aligned behind the ADC and plan to announce their position publicly this week. However, Ardo noted that the coalition will continue efforts to register the ADA as a new party, emphasizing that the two initiatives are not mutually exclusive.

Ardo added that while the ADC meets the coalition’s criteria, some leaders remain cautious about fully merging into an existing structure. He cited the risk of internal manipulation and unresolved party leadership issues, such as the ADC’s current executive committee whose tenure runs until December 2026, potentially interfering with the coalition’s primary schedule.

Another concern, Ardo said, is the risk of marginalising members who may feel excluded from a merger process. He stressed that the coalition must aim for broader reform and not just a quest to unseat the current administration. “We must go beyond that,” he said, warning against repeating past political mistakes.

Meanwhile, the coalition has tapped former Senate President David Mark to serve as interim national chairman of the ADC, replacing long-time party leader Okey Ralph Nwosu. Mark is expected to oversee a transitional period culminating in a national convention in 2026, which will elect a substantive National Working Committee. The position of interim national secretary remains vacant following the rejection of the offer by former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

Leaders have also agreed that the party’s presidential primaries will be open and competitive, with no zoning of the ticket by region. According to one senior figure, inclusivity and merit will guide the nomination process.

Wednesday’s meeting is expected to confirm the ADC’s adoption based on feedback from coalition members and consultations held over the past week. If ratified, it will mark the final step in consolidating the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.