2027: Alliance Turmoil Looms as ADC Leaders Outline Conditions for Coalition

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Tensions are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the announcement by former chairman Ralph Nwosu to dissolve the party’s existing structures. The move, intended to pave the way for fresh leadership and facilitate a broader political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, has stirred discontent among several state chairmen.

The coalition—spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—has chosen the ADC as its political vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

As part of the transition, former Senate President David Mark was appointed as Interim National Chairman, with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola named Interim National Secretary. Bolaji Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports, will serve as the coalition’s Interim National Publicity Secretary.

Nwosu also released a statement confirming that all existing party officials had stepped down to allow the David Mark-led interim leadership to assume control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The move sparked strong backlash from Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who criticized Atiku Abubakar and his allies within the ADC, labeling them “a group of self-serving elders.”

Speaking to The Dailynewsnigeria ADC leader in Benue State, Elias Adikwu, voiced his disapproval, calling the process through which the new leadership emerged both disappointing and undemocratic.

We are not part of this and we reject it entirely,” said Elias Adikwu. “You can’t just walk into a party you didn’t help build and try to seize control. If they truly value the party’s leadership, there’s a proper process—bring everyone to the table and let all stakeholders have a voice.”

Adikwu criticized the dismantling of the ADC’s state structures in favor of the new leadership, questioning the legitimacy of the ongoing registration exercise under David Mark’s interim leadership.

“Why the need for a new registration drive? What happened to the existing membership records at the ward and local government levels?” he asked. “They call themselves interim executives, but the ADC Constitution doesn’t recognize any such arrangement. Right now, we—the state party chairmen—remain the only legitimate members of the National Executive Committee.”

In Akwa Ibom State, ADC Chairman Etimbuk Umoh said the group is awaiting guidance from their national leader. “We’re waiting for Dumebi Kachikwu to outline the next steps,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Borno State ADC Chairman Mohammed Khala offered few details, saying only, “We are keeping our strategy under wraps for now.

Musa Matara, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC Continental Youth Council, stated that while party members support the idea of using the ADC platform to promote good governance in 2027, the process leading to the formation of the new leadership lacked proper consultation.

Matara welcomed the involvement of seasoned politicians in the ADC’s efforts to effect change, but criticized the abrupt manner in which former chairman Ralph Nwosu stepped aside for David Mark without inclusive discussions.

“We’re glad these individuals have joined us. The ADC is open to all Nigerians, regardless of background or belief,” Matara said. “But we were sidelined. There was no dialogue with many of us who have worked hard to grow this party. You can’t just show up, declare a coalition, and expect others to fall in line. That’s not how things should work.”

He emphasized the need for due process, noting that ADC’s constitution and internal guidelines were bypassed. “We have millions of members nationwide. It was disheartening to hear, not from party channels, but from outsiders, that our entire structure had been dissolved. How did that happen?”

Matara also questioned the motivations behind the leadership shift. “If real change is the goal, why bring in people who’ve been part of the establishment long before many of us were politically active? We invested years building this platform—why should others suddenly take over?”

He criticized the composition of the interim leadership. “The chairman has PDP roots, the secretary is from the APC, and the publicity secretary is also from PDP. Where is ADC’s identity in all this? And with most of our members being young people, it’s troubling to see the party now led by political veterans who don’t represent that youthful base.”

Meanwhile, Mabel Oboh, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, voiced strong support for the new coalition, stating it aims to challenge the APC’s hold on power. In a statement released in Benin City, Oboh expressed confidence that the alliance would reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by 2027.

“These coalition members bring experience and electoral strength. They are well-positioned to gather the support needed to win in 2027,” she asserted.

In a related development, former Minister of Transportation Senator Idris Umar led a delegation of political leaders from Gombe State to meet with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Umar reaffirmed their commitment to the coalition movement. “We are here to show our continued support for you, Your Excellency, as you work to unify the opposition under the ADC platform. Your legacy in Gombe is respected and appreciated,” he said.

The delegation from Gombe State featured notable figures such as retired Air Vice Marshal Fura, a former governorship contender; former Deputy Governor John Yoriyo; and Danjuma Babba, who leads the Association of House of Representatives Aspirants in the state, among others.

Responding to their visit, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed appreciation for their solidarity, stating, “The unwavering commitment shown by Gombe stakeholders to support the coalition under the ADC platform strengthens my resolve. I remain dedicated to fighting electoral malpractice and challenging poor leadership.”

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has kicked off grassroots mobilization efforts in Sokoto State as part of its broader strategy to expand national reach. The initiative is aimed at fostering civic awareness and encouraging inclusive political participation ahead of the 2027 general election.

As part of its expansion strategy, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed Mainasara Umar as the coalition’s coordinator in Sokoto State. His appointment, detailed in a letter signed by the National Coordinator of the coalition, Mohammed Shuaibu, was officially announced to the press on Sunday in Sokoto.

According to the letter, the appointment is effective immediately and is part of a larger framework to build grassroots support that will enlighten citizens on the coalition’s vision. “We’re not promoting any particular candidate. Our sole focus is to uphold the ADC’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and people-driven governance,” Shuaibu emphasized.

In his acceptance speech, Umar described the movement as more than politics, calling it “a coalition of conscience.” He stressed the need for inclusive leadership that can help rewrite Nigeria’s political story and correct long-standing injustices.

Peter Obi weighs in

Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, commented on the nation’s governance structure, saying he would prefer to serve as Minister of Security rather than the traditional role of Minister of Petroleum often assumed by Presidents.

Speaking during a conversation on X Space hosted by Parallel Fact and monitored by journalists, Obi said, “If I had the opportunity, I’d rather take charge of security to safeguard lives and property. My priority is to ensure that natural resources benefit Nigerians and to restore security across the country.”

Addressing the growing coalition movement, Obi noted, “I will work with all Nigerians. As a Christian, I follow Christ’s example — He didn’t come only for the righteous, but also to guide those in need of change.”

He also argued that leading by example is key to fighting corruption. “If a leader and their family are not corrupt, corruption will decline by at least 60%,” he said.

Mixed reactions from party chairmen

Kennedy Odion, the ADC chairman in Edo State, expressed optimism about the new coalition’s future. “This marks a new era for the party and the country. Though we await harmonization details from the national leadership, the initiative has rekindled hope among Nigerians who feared a one-party system,” he said.

However, while some state chairmen raised concerns, others distanced themselves from the objections voiced by former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu.

In Benue State, ADC Chairman Celestine Orbunde refuted claims that local party leaders were against the coalition. He noted that the North Central Zonal Chairman, also from Benue, was aligned with the new direction. “Dumebi is no longer part of our party. He was expelled and isn’t privy to our internal developments,” Orbunde stated.

Delta chapter dismisses Kachikwu

In Delta State, ADC Chairman Austin Okolie dismissed Kachikwu’s criticism, questioning his standing within the party. “He’s neither a state officer nor a member of the National Executive Committee. After winning the presidential ticket, he vanished from party affairs. He never visited his local government or ward. Now that the coalition is gaining traction, he wants to disrupt our progress,” Okolie said.

Okolie further alleged that Kachikwu might be serving other interests. “He never contributed to the party in Delta. His motives are questionable, and his attempt to challenge the coalition will not succeed. The constitution he refers to has already been amended,” he added.

National leadership defends process

Meanwhile, Abdullahi Bolaji, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, defended the legitimacy of the coalition process. In an interview with The Dailynewsnigeria, he stated, “All actions were authorized by NEC meetings recognized by INEC. The process is fully constitutional.”

Bolaji also advised any aggrieved chairmen to seek clarification from the immediate past leadership. “If there are concerns, Ralph Nwosu and his team are available to offer explanations,” he concluded.