Atiku Abubakar Eyes 2027 Presidency Via New ADC-Led Alliance
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned contender for Nigeria's highest office, has made a significant political maneuver, officially aligning himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a newly formed and ambitious opposition coalition. This development, confirmed in early July 2025, positions the ADC as a central platform for a formidable challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the crucial 2027 general elections.
A United Front for 2027
Atiku Abubakar, who ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner in the 2023 general election, officially departed the PDP earlier in 2025 to join the African Democratic Congress. This strategic move sees him uniting with erstwhile political rival Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in 2023, alongside other influential figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The formation of this new coalition, with the ADC designated as its chosen platform, aims to present a united and potent front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. The coalition's public unveiling in Abuja in early July brought together a diverse array of Nigerian politicians, signaling a significant strategic realignment of opposition forces. According to Senator David Mark, who serves as the interim chairman of the alliance, the overarching objective of this new political bloc is to prevent Nigeria from devolving into a de facto one-party state.
The Appeal of the ADC, and Emerging Internal Challenges
The ADC, established in 2006, is actively positioning itself as a transformation-focused party and a credible alternative to Nigeria's dominant political entities. Initial discussions among the coalition's principal architects reportedly gravitated towards the ADC due to its perceived absence of the internal crises that have historically plagued other major opposition parties. The coalition's leadership, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, is intent on consolidating various opposition groups, political parties, youth organizations, and civil society actors under a single, cohesive banner.
However, despite this initial perception, fissures are already appearing within the ADC. As of July 2, 2025, a faction identifying itself as "Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC" has publicly rejected the party's adoption by the new coalition. This dissenting group has voiced dissatisfaction with the adoption process, citing a marked lack of transparency and consultation. They have criticized the move as an "elitist attempt to hijack the party," emphasizing that the ADC belongs to its members and is not a "private coalition platform" for political merchants. This internal opposition could pose a significant challenge to the coalition's desired unity and stability.
Atiku's Unyielding Presidential Quest
Atiku Abubakar's pursuit of Nigeria's highest office is a saga spanning decades. He has contested unsuccessfully six times prior to this latest endeavor (1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023). Despite securing second place in the fiercely contested 2023 general election, he has remained steadfast in his declared intention to contest in 2027. His decision to join the ADC and become an integral part of this new coalition underscores his enduring ambition to lead Nigeria and his firm conviction that a united opposition offers the clearest path to electoral triumph.
The ultimate success of this new coalition, and Atiku Abubakar's potential emergence as its presidential flagbearer, will critically depend on its capacity to consolidate genuine support, deftly navigate the intricate Nigerian electoral process, and present a truly compelling and unified vision to Nigerian voters ahead of the 2027 polls, all while managing emerging internal dissent.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
