Prominent figures from both the PDP and APC—led by ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark—have formally taken control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a strategic move positioning the party as their platform for the 2027 elections.
APC responded sharply, accusing the coalition of being a “roll call of Nigeria’s me‑or‑nothing politicians” driven by self-interest rather than public good. Its spokesperson, Felix Morka, slammed the ADC’s interim leadership as lacking substance, labelling their unveiling speech as “disgracefully vacant” and composed of “diatribe” and “baseless allegations”.
The PDP has adopted a cooler, more cautious stance. Its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the party is neither officially aligned with nor disturbed by the takeover, focusing instead on internal preparations for the upcoming NEC meeting and national convention.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, also attended the launch, advocating the coalition as a necessary united front capable of countering APC dominance. However, Obi stopped short of pushing for a mass exodus to ADC.
Internally, the move has unsettled different factions within LP. The Julius Abure‑led group issued an ultimatum for Obi to resign within 48 hours, branding the coalition “opportunistic” and dismissing its potential to realise youth-driven political change . In contrast, the Nenadi Usman‑led faction defended Obi’s actions, asserting the coalition has official backing from LP’s leadership.
PDP BoT member, Chief Olabode George, criticised Atiku and Mark for political opportunism, questioning their loyalty and highlighting the unresolved internal crises within PDP . Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike labelled the coalition members failed politicians with no fresh agenda to challenge President Tinubu in 2027.
In response, the Tinubu administration remains unfazed. APC asserts President Tinubu is steadfastly focused on delivering transformative reforms and improving living standards, undistracted by the opposition’s maneuverings.
