Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman, Ralph Nwosu, says no fewer than seven well-known leaders in a newly formed coalition are being backed by supporters to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
In a recent interview, Nwosu shared that discussions within the coalition are heating up, with several political heavyweights being considered for the top seat.
The coalition, formed by notable opposition leaders including ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has now adopted the ADC as the party platform for their joint effort in the 2027 general elections.
According to Nwosu, while the coalition includes a wide range of influential politicians, the group is committed to a free and transparent selection process.
He listed some of the top figures whose supporters are pushing them to run: Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola, and Bamidele Ajadi, the ADC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Oyo State.
“We all have the right of expression. And as far as the coalition is concerned, everybody is important, and that is the beauty of the new party we are growing,” Nwosu stated.
He added, “There are some people who want Aregbesola to run. There are also people who are rooting for Dr Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi to run. There are also people rooting for Amaechi to run. There are also those calling for Atiku to run.
“El-Rufai also has his own plan. Even Sule Lamido is also running. I have been part of the coalition conversations, and I know the personalities that are interested in running. So, I am telling you from the inside. Even the old ADC may be backing Ajadi. That tells you it is free, and that is democracy. But the selection process will be open and transparent.”
Nwosu noted that the political coalition continues to gain ground as many Nigerians and party supporters are now participating in talks to decide the future leadership of the country. He believes this collaboration is gaining strength as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to lose members to the ADC.
“People are working together and having conversations. So, we will gradually start to see the leadership in each person. The real model will start to create the new Nigeria and the African renaissance that all of us are interested in. As I have said, it’s beyond politics and power. It is to rescue Nigeria from ICU to global reckoning.”
Speaking on the coalition’s rapid growth, Nwosu said it has already attracted significant numbers from other major political parties.
“This is a big coalition. What we have built within this short time of coming together is bigger than any political party in Nigeria. Already, 95 percent of the PDP has collapsed into our party with all their networks and grassroots stuff. For the APC, over 35 percent of their membership is collapsing into this movement. The Labour Party is seeing over 80 percent coming to us,” he revealed.
