In a dramatic political shift ahead of the 2027 general election, prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and several former All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and ex-ministers from the Muhammadu Buhari administration have officially taken over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform.
The coalition, which aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu, was unveiled at a high-level meeting held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event marked the resignation of ADC’s National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, and Secretary Saeed Baba Abdullahi, and the installation of former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman, and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary.
‘Nigeria in ICU, Not Power-Hungry’ — ADC Leaders
Outgoing chairman Nwosu emphasized that the move was not about power, but about rescuing Nigeria from what he called the “Intensive Care Unit”.
“We must agree to move Nigeria from ICU to global reckoning,” Nwosu said. “This journey of coalition took over 18 months and 12 NEC meetings. It is about transforming our country.”
David Mark: ‘Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Is Renewed Hopelessness’
Newly appointed Interim ADC Chairman, David Mark, sharply criticized Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of state capture and reducing the National Assembly to mere “cheerleaders and praise singers.”
“President Tinubu is fiddling while Nigeria burns. His ‘Renewed Hope’ has become renewed hopelessness. This coalition is our response to stop Nigeria’s descent into a one-party state,” Mark declared.
He said the coalition will challenge corruption, poverty, insecurity, and the growing hunger plaguing Nigerians.
‘Opposition With a Purpose’ — Talks with APC Governors Underway
Despite ongoing defections to APC, coalition leaders confirmed secret discussions with Northern APC governors, asserting that support for the movement is nationwide.
“You’ll be shocked how many APC governors in the North are talking to us,” a coalition member said. “No governor will defect to APC in the North.”
Kachikwu Rejects Move, Calls It a Political ‘Dramedy’
2023 ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu slammed the takeover as illegal and theatrical, accusing Atiku’s camp of trying to hijack a structure that had expired in 2022.
“You can’t build something on nothing. These old political relics want to shave a man’s head in his absence,” he said. “Nigerians want new names, new ideas, not geriatrics chasing power like it’s a birthright.”
Kachikwu described the move as a betrayal of true opposition ideals and warned the coalition would soon be shopping for another party.
Nwosu to Kachikwu: You’re Not a Member
In a swift rebuttal, outgoing chairman Nwosu dismissed Kachikwu as irrelevant.
“Anybody attacking today’s event is not a member of ADC,” he said. “We are ready for this battle.”
ADC Takeover: The Full Roll Call of Political Heavyweights
Those present at the ADC takeover included:
- Atiku Abubakar (Former VP)
- Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed (2023 LP Presidential/RM candidates)
- David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Solomon Dalung, Nasir El-Rufai
- Former APC Leaders: John Odigie-Oyegun, Bolaji Abdullahi, Salihu Lukman, John Akpanudoedehe
- Senators and Activists: Dino Melaye, Ireti Kingibe, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Aisha Yesufu, Lee Maeba
- Former Governors: Emeka Ihedioha, Liyel Imoke, Gabriel Suswam, Idris Wada, Jubrilla Bindow, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Agboola Ajayi, Oserheimen Osunbor
- Others: Dele Momodu, Sadique Abubakar (ex-Air Chief), MD Abubakar (ex-IGP), Kashim Imam, Lauretta Onochie, Simon Achuba, Maryam Inna Ciroma, Mani Ibrahim
