Seven coalition figures eyeing Tinubu’s position – Former ADC chairman

Ralph Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), revealed that at least seven influential figures within the opposition coalition are being encouraged by their supporters to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

His comments come amid speculation that certain northern factions within the coalition are already rallying behind the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate for a potential one-term arrangement.

The opposition alliance—spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi—officially adopted the ADC as its political platform for the 2027 race during a meeting on Wednesday.

In an interview with Dailynewsnigerianday, noted that while several coalition leaders are being considered as contenders, the ADC will ensure a transparent and inclusive selection process for its presidential candidate.

Nwosu noted that, beyond Peter Obi, supporters of Atiku Abubakar; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); as well as backers of Bamidele Ajadi, the ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Oyo State, are all pushing for their preferred candidates to take on President Tinubu in 2027.

He emphasized the inclusive nature of the coalition, saying, “Everyone has the right to express their views. Within this movement, every voice matters—and that’s the strength of the new political platform we are building.”

Nwosu revealed that Nasir El-Rufai has his own presidential ambitions, as does former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido. “I’ve been directly involved in coalition discussions, so I’m speaking from an insider perspective,” he said. “Even the original ADC may be throwing its support behind Ajadi. That’s the beauty of democracy—everyone is free to aspire, and the selection process will remain open and transparent.”

He explained that as the coalition continues to gain traction, the camps of various presidential hopefuls are engaging in strategic talks. Meanwhile, he claimed that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are steadily losing members to the ADC.

“Different groups are collaborating and holding conversations. In time, true leadership will emerge, and the vision for a renewed Nigeria—and broader African renaissance—will take shape. This movement isn’t just about political power; it’s about pulling Nigeria out of the ICU and placing it on the global stage,” Nwosu added.

He described the coalition as a powerful force, asserting, “What we’ve built in such a short time is already larger than any existing party in Nigeria. We’ve seen 95 percent of the PDP fold into our structure, bringing their networks and grassroots influence. From the APC, over 35 percent have joined us, while more than 80 percent of Labour Party members are shifting to our movement.”