In a recent gathering of African Democratic Congress (ADC) members in Akure, Ondo State, interim Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, confidently declared that the ADC is positioned to unseat President Bola Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. He urged party members to set aside personal ambitions and unite for the collective success of the party.
Okay.ng reports that Aregbesola, once an ally of President Tinubu, emphasized the importance of solidarity within the party. “The ADC has garnered significant support from prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who are backing the party as a coalition movement platform aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next election,” he stated.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Aregbesola stressed the critical need for unity: “Let us work together, let us put personal interests aside and let’s get united. It is that unity we want… If we unite, we won’t be defeated in the elections. Unity is very paramount in this situation.”
He also appealed to undecided politicians to join the ADC’s cause to rescue Nigeria from its current crisis.
At the same event, Mr. Gbenga Edema, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, accused the APC of spreading propaganda to create panic but affirmed the coalition’s focus on dislodging the ruling party. “Since adopting the ADC as our political platform, we have gained clarity and insight into the coalition’s direction,” Edema said.
Former political aide Akin Akinbobola lamented Nigeria’s deteriorating conditions, citing “hardship, hunger, insecurity, and collapse of infrastructure,” and called for progressive forces to unite under the ADC banner. He revealed that about ten political parties are already collaborating in the coalition, which he described as a “large army” poised to sweep across states.
In Abuja, the interim ADC leadership reassured state chairmen of their integral role in coalition-building during a meeting hosted by interim National Chairman Senator David Mark. Interim National Spokesman Malam Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized, “We have no intention to push them away. We are here to work with them as partners to build a stronger political party.”
Addressing concerns about internal disputes, Abdullahi clarified that the coalition process is legally sound despite some dissent from former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu.
Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi also endorsed the coalition, criticizing the rampant party defections and urging members to adopt a clear ideological vision beyond electoral victories. “Our prayer is that they remember it should not just be about winning elections. They should work on how to govern because that’s the major problem we have in Nigeria,” Utomi said.
In contrast, the Presidency dismissed the coalition’s chances. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, told Arise Television that neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi could defeat President Tinubu in 2027. “If you merge Peter Obi and Atiku, there is no way the two of them can beat a Bola Tinubu and Shettima ticket. It is going to be impossible,” he insisted.
Onanuga also downplayed the coalition’s internal struggles, stating, “Tinubu supports freedom of speech and freedom of expression. He doesn’t have any hand in the challenges they are facing in the ADC.”
