Opposition Forms New Coalition, Raises Questions on 2027 Strategy
Abuja, Nigeria – A new opposition coalition, spearheaded by the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), has emerged on Nigeria's political landscape, aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The coalition's formation, which includes prominent figures like the Labour Party's 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has immediately ignited debate and scrutiny.
Speaking on the development, Datti Baba-Ahmed, while affirming his continued membership in the Labour Party, confirmed his involvement in the new coalition. "I am considering the coalition who have adopted ADC," he stated, urging a cautious approach amidst the public excitement. "Don't be consumed by the excitement. Manage the excitement. Right now, it's all about excitement... Nigerians are depressed as much as they are oppressed, so this excitement can easily consume everyone."
Baba-Ahmed expressed strong belief in the coalition's objective of uniting against the APC but cautioned against playing into the ruling party's "game." He highlighted a key concern: the absence of a clear, singular leader within the new coalition, contrasting it with the APC's 2015 strategy with then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari. "This opposition does not have a distant anointed," he noted, predicting a "very tight struggle" and potentially "not so clean primaries" for the presidential ticket.
The Labour Party chieftain also revealed his personal dismay at the presence of some individuals within the coalition whom he and Peter Obi had previously opposed in the 2023 elections. "It was simply unbelievable. I'm still gasping for air," he remarked, referring to politicians who have been in government for decades.
When pressed on his personal political ambition, Baba-Ahmed stated, "I am not a politician. I do politics for the sake of my country. I can go to war... My ambition is Nigeria to be good." He emphasized that his goal in joining the coalition is to see "good governance to emerge, peace, prosperity, and security for Nigeria."
The coalition's strategy, according to Baba-Ahmed, should focus on a "coalition of votes at the ballot box," rather than solely on a coalition of politicians. He firmly believes that "a clean political party fielding the right candidate will beat APC hands down even in the presence of a coalition."
Reactions and Allegations
The formation of the ADC-led coalition has drawn swift reactions. The Presidency, through President Tinubu's aide, Sunday Dare, slammed the coalition as a "group of desperate politicians with no clear direction," asserting they are only driven by a desire for power.
However, Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, openly backed the ADC coalition, stating it is "not just politics as usual" and that the platform is the "new voice for real opposition in Nigeria." He emphasized the coalition's commitment to prioritizing Nigeria and challenging the "failed system."
The political landscape continues to evolve, with the future dynamics of this new coalition and its impact on Nigerian politics remaining a significant point of interest.
