A major political shake-up is underway as key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi—have joined forces to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The newly formed coalition, unveiled at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform.
In a surprise twist, former Senate President David Mark was named interim National Chairman of the ADC, with ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola stepping in as interim Secretary. This move follows the voluntary resignation of the party’s founding leadership to make room for what they described as a “historic realignment” aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy.
David Mark: “We’re Rebuilding Democracy”
Speaking after his unveiling, David Mark warned that Nigeria is on a dangerous path under the current administration. He accused the Tinubu-led government of undermining democratic institutions and pushing the country toward a “civilian dictatorship.”
According to Mark, “This is not just about winning an election. It is a collective effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.” He cited rampant insecurity, deepening poverty, and a compromised National Assembly as signs of national decline, stressing the need for urgent change.
Amaechi Dumps APC, Blasts Tinubu’s Economic Policies
In a development that has generated reactions across the South-South region, former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, announced his resignation from the APC and pledged full support for the new coalition. Amaechi didn’t mince words, saying, “Nigeria is destroyed. People can’t eat, can’t afford food. Inflation is out of control.”
He called for a people-driven movement, not just a change of leadership. “This is not just to replace one party with another. It’s to empower the Nigerian people to take back their country,” he said.
Heavyweights Rally for a Common Cause
Also present at the unveiling were several political juggernauts, including:
Atiku Abubakar
Peter Obi
Victor Umeh
Prince Uche Secondus
Datti Baba-Ahmed
John Odigie-Oyegun
Mohammed Abubakar (former IGP)
A host of former governors—Nasir El-Rufai, Gabriel Suswam, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke—as well as ex-AGF Abubakar Malami and activist Aisha Yesufu, also attended the event.
Internal Cracks Emerge
However, the new coalition has not gone unchallenged. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned the development, accusing the group of being made up of “political geriatrics” with nothing new to offer Nigerians. “You had your time and failed. Nigerians are tired of your generation,” he said.
A separate faction within the ADC also questioned Aregbesola’s appointment, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking legitimacy.
Reactions from PDP and APC
The PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, warned party members against engaging in coalition politics without official approval, while the ruling APC dismissed the opposition alliance as a “gathering of expired politicians.”
As economic hardship continues to grip the nation, the emergence of this coalition has stirred fresh debate over Nigeria’s political future.
