The African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to have emerged as the new political bride in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, following its adoption by a coalition of opposition leaders as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Once a minor player on the national stage, the ADC was officially chosen by the coalition during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night. This development marks a significant shift in the opposition’s strategy as they prepare to mount a stronger challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition includes key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. Although the coalition was formally announced in March, the choice of a political party platform had been delayed by prolonged discussions, including talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Initially, the SDP was favored after El-Rufai left the APC and his supporters and other northern leaders showed interest in it. However, disagreements arose when SDP’s national chairman Shehu Gabam rejected any merger, insisting the party would not be used as a tool by selfish politicians. This led coalition leaders to reconsider their options.
Paul Ibe, media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, confirmed the ADC’s selection, noting that “The coalition leaders have set up relevant committees and directed them to resolve grey areas in the arrangement and prepare for a public unveiling.” Ibe explained that the SDP was never a serious final option, but rather a temporary “container” to absorb certain elements before the coalition settled on the ADC.
The ADC was established in 2005 and is led by Ralphs Okey Nwosu. The party is known for advocating inclusive governance and national development. While it has participated in past elections with modest results, analysts say its consistent presence and lack of internal conflicts make it a suitable choice for the coalition.
Nwosu, the ADC chairman, confirmed that the party would meet with the coalition’s committees to finalize details. He noted, “This is Africa’s moment. These are the parameters the committees were given—to prioritise inclusion and a strong African continental vision.”
