Barely a day after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition was introduced as a new opposition force, attention has quickly shifted from unity to rising personal ambitions. The coalition was launched to serve as a strong political alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC coalition brings together top political names including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark. Though the group was formed to create a united front, signs of internal competition are already surfacing.
Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor and transport minister, has openly stated his intention to run for president under the ADC platform in 2027. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday, he said he would serve only one term if elected, citing insecurity and economic hardship as reasons for a new administration.
When asked if he would serve just one term, Amaechi said, “Of course.” He also noted that, “The South must be allowed to complete their tenure.” With this, the contest within the coalition has effectively begun, as members begin pushing their own agendas.
However, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in 2023, said he believes Obi is the best person to lead the ADC into the next election. Datti pointed to Obi’s strong showing during the last election and his wide support base, especially among young voters.
“Peter Obi should not be a vice-presidential candidate in 2027, having earned a contested 10 million votes,” Datti said on Arise TV. Though Obi has not officially left the Labour Party, his involvement in the ADC has sparked rumours that he might switch camps. His supporters argue that he is the strongest candidate from the South.
Atiku Abubaka, on the other hand, has not officially declared his 2027 ambitions, but there are strong signs he is preparing for one final presidential run. Insiders say he helped build the ADC coalition to form a new front, as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continues to struggle with internal problems.
Although there are demands for a southern candidate, Atiku’s backers believe the North still holds enough voting power to influence the election outcome. Atiku’s long experience and track record in winning party primaries could give him an edge.
Neither Obi nor Atiku has confirmed a formal bid, but their followers are already working to boost their influence in the ADC. Youth groups are backing Obi, while political figures from the North, including former PDP members, are leaning towards Atiku.
Some speculations suggest that both could team up again, possibly with Obi as vice president. However, Datti and members of the Obidient movement have rejected this idea, saying Obi must be the presidential candidate.
Former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has voiced his concern about behind-the-scenes efforts to favour certain individuals in the party’s nomination process.
“There’s an elite plan already taking shape behind the scenes. We must be vigilant,” Kachikwu warned.
In contrast, media personality and politician Dele Momodu said these fears were unfounded and that the coalition is committed to staying united. “No ambition will override the broader objective,” Momodu said in a Vanguard interview. He repeated this on Arise TV, noting that leaders agreed to settle disagreements through dialogue.
