The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday convened an emergency caucus meeting in Abuja as cracks within its opposition coalition deepened, threatening the bloc’s ambition of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The closed-door session, hosted by former Senate President David Mark, was described by insiders as a “last-ditch rescue mission.” It followed reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is courting Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Mr Peter Obi, in a bid to consolidate its influence ahead of 2027.
Matters came to a head when Obi declared he would no longer play the role of “supporter” but a “contender” in the coming polls — a stance directly at odds with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s interest in flying the coalition’s ticket.
In a communique issued after the meeting, ADC interim spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said aspirants had given “a firm commitment” to back whoever emerges as candidate from the presidential primary. “We have resolved to rally behind a single flagbearer and work as one family,” he stated.
The party also shelved moves to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a backup platform. But Dr Umar Ardo, one of the main promoters of the ADA project, kicked against the decision, insisting he was not consulted. “If they don’t involve me after I’ve invested my time and money, then I’ve been short-changed,” he fumed.
Although Obi was absent from the Abuja meeting, Abdullahi said he sent in apologies and pledged continued loyalty to the coalition. Heavyweights present included Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir el-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rotimi Amaechi.
Even so, uncertainty looms. Sources close to Obi disclosed that he has been reassessing the coalition’s structure after high-level talks in the United States and with former President Goodluck Jonathan. According to insiders, Obi insists on a one-term power rotation arrangement and may boycott any primary dominated by northern aspirants.
El-Rufai, in a veiled warning, cautioned the ADC against self-destruction. “If we don’t close ranks, 2027 will hand the APC another free ride,” he said.
Meanwhile, former APC National Secretary, Waziri Bulama, reminded political actors that no single region can deliver the presidency alone. Citing Buhari’s failed attempts before 2015, he stressed the importance of alliances in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic democracy.
As the power struggle plays out, Atiku used the moment to lash out at the Tinubu administration. Reacting to a fresh attack in Adamawa, he accused the government of celebrating revenue milestones “while lives are wasted daily to insecurity.”
On the sidelines, Obi’s “Obidient” movement pushed ahead with grassroots mobilisation, inaugurating a Yobe State chapter in Damaturu. Despite heavy rainfall, supporters trooped out in large numbers, signalling what organisers described as the group’s “unstoppable momentum.”
