ADC Chair Confirms Opposition Coalition Talks Nearing Conclusion, Rules Out Automatic Candidacy

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has disclosed that discussions surrounding the formation of a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are in their final stages and will be concluded within one or two weeks.

Speaking over the weekend, Nwosu confirmed that the ADC has been adopted as the platform on which the coalition will contest the 2027 presidential election.

He said the party’s internal committees have held extensive consultations with civil society organisations, citizens’ groups, and other critical stakeholders.

“ADC started a process 16 months ago. What we have been doing is ensuring that beyond political talks among leaders, we touch the grassroots, because the situation in the country may one day call for a citizens’ revolt or a patriots’ coalition,” Nwosu stated.

He maintained that the ADC remains a trusted platform for meaningful political transformation and is highly regarded among patriots and civil organisations.

Commenting on the structure of the coalition-building process, Nwosu explained that the discussions are taking place in three segments. He noted that he leads the National Consultative Organ responsible for engaging citizens and civil groups, while Deputy National Chairman Bamidele Jamilu Jade coordinates engagements with political parties. Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is also facilitating meetings with various political stakeholders.

The ADC chair confirmed that key political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have been consulted. Others reportedly engaged in the discussions include former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and most aspirants from the 2023 presidential race.

Dispelling speculations that the ADC is being positioned as a vehicle for opportunistic politicians, Nwosu said: “Any politician who thinks ADC is a ‘molue’ to get to where they want to go must think again. That mentality has weakened our democratic process. ADC is not that vehicle.”

He warned that political parties cannot produce visionary leaders unless they are strengthened and ideologically driven.

On the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket, Nwosu said discussions were still ongoing. While acknowledging sentiments from various groups, he emphasised that the ADC does not operate based on regional or ethnic classifications.

“Some young people have argued that since 1999, the South has governed for 17 years and the North for 11. If Tinubu finishes one term and another Southerner takes over, it will become 22 years versus 11. We must listen to all perspectives,” he said.

Nwosu added that the ADC structure does not include regional titles like ‘Deputy Chairman (North or South),’ which he described as reinforcing divisions. Instead, the party appoints deputies based on functional responsibilities.

“We have shared our materials with coalition leaders because we must chart a new course for Nigeria,” he concluded.