Barely 24 hours after the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a new opposition force, the narrative of unity is already giving way to individual political ambitions. Though launched as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the coalition—comprising major political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark—is now facing early internal competition.
Amaechi Declares Presidential Ambition Under ADC
Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and one-time Minister of Transportation, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential race on the ADC platform. In a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Amaechi announced his candidacy, pledging to serve only one term if elected. He cited Nigeria’s worsening economy and growing insecurity as justifications for voting out the Tinubu administration. Emphasising regional fairness, he stated that, “The South must be allowed to complete their tenure.”
Amaechi’s public declaration has signaled the start of fierce internal competition within the ADC coalition, as prominent aspirants begin to push individual political agendas under the broader umbrella of unity.
Datti Endorses Obi, Says He Must Lead the Coalition
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi, has insisted that Obi should lead the coalition into the 2027 presidential election. During an appearance on Arise TV, Datti argued that Obi’s performance in the previous election—where he reportedly garnered nearly 10 million votes despite the controversy surrounding the results—makes him the most suitable candidate to rally mass support, especially among the youth.
Datti dismissed the idea of Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot, saying, “Peter Obi should not be a vice-presidential candidate in 2027.” While Obi has yet to formally resign from the Labour Party, his involvement in the ADC coalition has fueled speculation that he may eventually run on its platform, depending on how internal negotiations unfold.
Atiku’s Strategic Silence and Calculated Moves
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has not officially declared his intentions for 2027, but political insiders suggest he is laying the groundwork for what may be his final bid for Nigeria’s presidency—his seventh. Atiku is believed to be the driving force behind the ADC coalition’s formation, seeking to consolidate a fragmented opposition and present a formidable challenge to the APC.
Despite mounting pressure for a southern candidate, Atiku’s supporters are banking on the North’s electoral weight and his historical dominance in intra-party primaries to secure the ticket. The ADC primary process is expected to be fiercely contested.
Obi and Atiku Camps Mobilise Support
Though neither Atiku nor Obi has made a formal declaration, their supporters are already building parallel political machinery within the ADC. Youth-led movements and civil society groups are rallying behind Obi, while influential northern politicians from the PDP are consolidating support for Atiku. Discussions around a joint ticket featuring both candidates persist, but the Obidient movement’s demand for Obi to lead any ticket makes compromise increasingly difficult.
Internal Friction and Accusations Surface
Amid growing enthusiasm, internal concerns have also emerged. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, warned of potential manipulation in favour of Atiku or other elite-backed candidates. He urged transparency and vigilance, saying, “There’s an elite plan already taking shape behind the scenes.”
In contrast, political figure Dele Momodu played down the tensions, assuring the public that coalition leaders are committed to preventing division and maintaining cohesion.
APC Reacts: “Displaced Politicians Driven by Self-Interest”
Unsurprisingly, the ruling APC and its allies have dismissed the ADC coalition as a weak and fractured alliance. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described it as lacking in organisational capability, while APC spokesperson Festus Keyamo mocked it as a “fractured arrangement” that will ultimately strengthen the ruling party’s grip on power. The Presidency also issued a scathing response, calling the alliance “a hollow arrangement of displaced politicians driven by self-interest.”
2027: ADC’s Unity or Implosion?
As the ADC prepares for its primaries, the challenge will be navigating the ambitions of its powerful contenders—Amaechi, Obi, and Atiku—while maintaining unity and credibility. The party’s ability to manage internal dynamics and present a unified front will ultimately determine whether it emerges as a genuine opposition force or collapses under the weight of competing interests before the 2027 elections.
