The unveiling of a new opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections has provoked a wide range of reactions across Nigeria. The development, which brings together several political heavyweights, comes amid growing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s democratic landscape, including concerns over electoral integrity, inclusiveness, and institutional accountability.
The coalition’s formation represents a bold attempt to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
According to reports by DAILY POST, the opposition bloc has adopted the ADC as its official political platform. As part of its strategic repositioning, the coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman, while former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was named national secretary.
However, within 24 hours of the coalition’s launch in Abuja, a major internal rift emerged. A faction within the ADC, represented by National Publicity Secretary Musa Isa Matara, issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the adoption of the party as a platform for elite political manoeuvring. The faction criticised the decision as unilateral and lacking consultation with key stakeholders.
Commenting on the development, Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, expressed pessimism over the coalition’s viability. “They will quarrel over everything. Everyone suddenly wants to be president, and they won’t be able to reach an agreement,” he said.
Public responses to the coalition have been mixed. Hassan Alowonle, an entrepreneur, dismissed the move as a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political culture. He recalled the formation of the APC in 2013 through a merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which successfully ousted the PDP in 2015. According to Alowonle, “Coalitions have become a strategic tool to displace incumbent parties, and the ADC merger is another iteration of that trend.”
Rufai Omeiza, an electrician, was more optimistic, urging the coalition to prioritise unity and selflessness. “The ADC appears poised to challenge the ruling party, but personal ambition must be set aside. The APC succeeded in 2015 because it focused on the bigger picture. The same discipline is required now,” he noted. He warned, however, that the APC would not relinquish power easily and that electoral fairness must be guaranteed.
Mcfredericks Akor Edache, Benue State officer for Tracka, a civic engagement platform, said the 2027 elections could redefine Nigeria’s political future. “Coalitions are meant to be formidable. If successful, this movement could set a precedent for future political alignments. But if it fails, it could reinforce the perceived invincibility of the ruling party,” he asserted.
Edache cautioned both the opposition and ruling parties to focus on the electorate’s needs. “Security, infrastructure, and youth empowerment should top the agenda. If the public’s pain points are ignored, the people will seek an alternative, even if imperfect,” he added.
Augustine Oyiwona, a business administrator, welcomed the coalition as a long-awaited political alternative. However, he warned that the ADC’s visibility and influence remain limited. “Maintaining unity will be critical. Most new movements suffer internal divisions that derail their momentum. Still, this coalition offers a genuine alternative, especially if it fields a candidate like Peter Obi,” he said.
Joseph Adah echoed this sentiment, arguing that the success of the coalition is contingent upon selecting a consensus candidate. “If the coalition rallies behind Peter Obi, who is widely admired, particularly among the youth, the chances of victory are significantly higher,” he stated. Adah further stressed the importance of honouring the informal power rotation agreement, which, according to him, supports a southern presidency for another four years.
Joe Akogwu, another concerned citizen, lauded the coalition’s emergence, stating that a democracy without opposition breeds tyranny. However, he remained sceptical about its chances in 2027. “The ruling party will do everything possible to retain power. While the coalition might face challenges, especially given speculated tensions between Tinubu and the northern political elite, anything can happen in Nigerian politics,” he remarked.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, one thing remains clear: the coalition’s ability to remain united, adopt a credible candidate, and connect with the electorate will determine whether it becomes a formidable political force or yet another failed experiment in Nigeria’s tumultuous political history.
