As Nigeria’s opposition parties seek to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, a new coalition group is gaining momentum. Spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition is strategically targeting the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) state structures to consolidate political strength nationwide.
The coalition group, led by interim national chairman and former Senate President David Mark, along with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other influential political figures, has urged PDP members and other opposition blocs to unite under one formidable platform. A high-level meeting chaired by David Mark brought together top PDP stakeholders, including former national chairman Uche Secondus and past governors like Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, Babangida Aliyu, Sam Egwu, and Gabriel Suswam.
In their communique, leaders of the coalition group condemned the Tinubu administration, labeling it a “national disaster” and highlighting the deteriorating quality of life and collapse of development indicators in Nigeria. They emphasized that the PDP, once a dominant party, has weakened under pressure from APC-induced defections and political intimidation.
Investigations reveal that since the ADC’s relaunch as the face of the coalition group, defections from the PDP have accelerated, particularly in northern Nigeria. Notably, Borno, Gombe, and Jigawa states have seen significant shifts in political allegiance. In Borno alone, several top PDP members — including Mohammed Kumalia, Saleh Kida, Ali Wurge, and others — have joined the ADC-led coalition group.
Former Osun State Governor and interim national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a South-West mobilisation campaign under the coalition group, starting in Ondo State. The group’s strategy is not only focused on opposition members but also includes outreach to disenchanted APC stakeholders, capitalizing on internal rifts within the ruling party, particularly in Kano and Kaduna states.
David Mark, interim chairman of the ADC, addresses members of the coalition group working to reshape Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Gombe, the ADC’s state chairman, Auwal Barde, described the coalition group as a timely and inclusive movement for political transformation. He announced the opening of party registers across all wards to welcome new members seeking reform, transparency, and accountability.
Jigawa State has also seen a major reorganization under the coalition group. Former Deputy Governor Ahmed Gumel has assumed leadership of the ADC’s new state executive council with the backing of former governor Sule Lamido. Gumel reiterated the coalition’s commitment to restructuring Nigeria’s political landscape and providing a viable alternative to the APC.
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Meanwhile, internal tensions have surfaced within the ADC as original party members express concerns over what they describe as a “hostile takeover” by the coalition group. A faction led by National Publicity Secretary Dr. Musa Isa Matara criticized the interim leadership and warned that any merger without grassroots input could damage the party’s democratic integrity. Legal actions have already been initiated to challenge the legitimacy of the coalition’s current leadership.
Three ADC members have filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to invalidate the appointments of David Mark, Aregbesola, and others, arguing that they were illegally selected. The coalition group is reportedly preparing a strong legal defense with over 90 lawyers.
On the other hand, some prominent figures associated with Aregbesola, such as Bola Ilori, have distanced themselves from the coalition group, pledging unwavering support to President Tinubu. Ilori emphasized his long-standing political loyalty to the president and called on Yoruba leaders to foster unity during this critical period in Nigerian politics.
