Reactions have continued to trail the unveiling of a new political coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The move has brought together several political heavyweights, igniting intense political discourse across Nigeria. The development comes at a time when the country’s democratic institutions are under scrutiny, with increasing calls for electoral credibility, political inclusiveness, and institutional reforms.
Barely 24 hours after the coalition’s unveiling in Abuja, cracks have already appeared. A major faction within the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Musa Isa Matara, denounced the adoption of the party as the coalition’s platform. The faction warned against what it described as the hijacking of the ADC by political elites without broader consultation.
The coalition, which appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, has quickly become a lightning rod for both optimism and skepticism.
Segun Showunmi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, dismissed the coalition’s potential. “They will quarrel among themselves over everything. Everybody in that coalition suddenly wants to be president all at the same time,” he said.
However, some Nigerians see the coalition as a viable political force. Speaking to Hobnob News, entrepreneur Hassan Alowonle compared the development to the 2013 merger that birthed the APC. “Whenever there is a coalition, there is a tendency for that party to emerge as the winner,” he stated, citing the historic 2015 victory of the APC.
Similarly, electrician Rufai Omeiza said the coalition is “strategically mapping its members and voters” ahead of the polls. He warned, however, that success hinges on unity and the suppression of personal ambition.
Benue State civic advocate Mcfredericks Akor Edache described the upcoming election as a potential turning point. “If the ruling party wins, it may mean its position is unshakable. If the coalition wins, it will establish that future coalitions can succeed,” he said, urging both sides to prioritize citizens’ needs over party dogma.
Business administrator Augustine Oyiwona hailed the coalition as a “dream come true” but warned of challenges ahead. “As a new political organization, the party will struggle with low visibility and limited public awareness compared to dominant parties like the PDP and APC,” he noted.
He and others, including Joseph Adah, emphasized the importance of a consensus candidate—many naming Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, as the most viable option.
Adah argued, “Peter Obi is loved by most Nigerian youths and has the credibility and popularity to challenge the status quo.”
Joe Akogwu, another political observer, supported the coalition but remained skeptical. “Tinubu might find it difficult winning the forthcoming election due to tensions from Northern elders and possible changes to his Vice President,” he said. “Still, I don’t see the coalition unseating the present government in 2027, but anything can happen.”
As Nigeria gears up for another high-stakes election, the ADC-led coalition’s next steps will be closely watched. Whether it can maintain internal unity, gain public trust, and present a formidable challenge to the ruling APC remains to be seen.
