By Ono Yima
In a dramatic realignment that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the birth of a powerful coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This unprecedented alliance brings together two of the most prominent opposition figures, who together secured over 54% of the vote in the 2023 presidential election—Abubakar under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi under the Labour Party (LP).
At their unveiling in Abuja, ADC interim chairman and former Senate President David Mark described the move as a mission to save Nigeria’s democracy. “This is an effort to stop Nigeria from slipping into a one-party state,” he declared.
The 2023 presidential election saw President Bola Tinubu win with just 37% of the total vote, largely because opposition votes were split between Abubakar, who garnered 29%, and Obi, who received 25%. Many political observers now believe a united front could have changed the outcome. “Both Atiku and Obi felt they came close in 2023 and would have won on a joint ticket, so they want to correct that mistake,” political analyst Shehu Iliyasu told the BBC.
Beyond Abubakar and Obi, the new-look ADC is drawing heavyweight support from across the political spectrum. Prominent figures such as former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi are said to be part of the coalition. Their entry, along with that of respected economist and ADC founding member Professor Pat Utomi, has energized the party, which now appears poised to become a major political force.
Many Nigerians are watching closely to see if Atiku and Obi can rekindle their 2019 partnership when Obi served as Atiku’s running mate in a failed bid against former President Muhammadu Buhari. Their peaceful parting in 2022—when Obi left the PDP for the Labour Party—has raised hopes for successful collaboration this time around. However, questions linger over who will lead the ticket. Obi’s supporters argue that he has emerged as a national movement and should not play second fiddle. Meanwhile, Atiku’s camp maintains that his status as a former vice president gives him seniority.
The defection of Obi and Abubakar poses significant challenges to their former parties. The Labour Party, whose popularity surged on the back of Obi’s candidacy in 2023, now faces an uncertain future. The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political party, has also lost key stalwarts to the ADC. Analyst Iliyasu Hadi believes the ADC is now better positioned to become the main opposition. “When you look at the calibre of politicians in the ADC and those remaining in the PDP, it’s clear that the ADC will soon become Nigeria’s main opposition party,” he said.
Despite controlling 11 states, both PDP and LP now face mounting pressure to retain relevance and cohesion.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the merger as political noise. Acting APC chairman Ali Bukar Dalori told BBC Hausa that the coalition poses no threat. “Nobody is talking about a coalition except in Abuja. When they lose, they’ll leave the country,” he said.
Nonetheless, President Tinubu—who has been endorsed for re-election in 2027—may face stiffer competition this time. Questions about his health persist, especially as he will be 75 years old at the next poll and 79 if he completes a second term.
Founded in 2005 as the Alliance for Democratic Change, the ADC later became the African Democratic Congress. Though it placed fifth in the 2023 presidential election, it has maintained structures in most states and currently has two members in the National Assembly. With new momentum and backing from influential politicians, the ADC now stands as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s traditional political giants.
Read the original article in BBC