ADC Records Major Influx as Opposition Leaders Jostle for 2027 Presidential Ticket

Since Nigeria’s leading opposition figures officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, the party has witnessed a surge of new members, intensifying competition for its presidential ticket.

InfoStride News reports that the coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, among other bigwigs from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and Social Democratic Party (SDP), formally embraced the ADC on July 2, 2025.

The coalition also includes aggrieved APC stalwarts such as ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola — all seeking to unseat the APC at both federal and state levels.

David Mark now serves as the ADC’s Interim National Chairman, while Aregbesola holds the position of Interim National Secretary. Their appointments have strengthened what observers describe as a revived opposition bloc.

Battle for Kwankwaso’s Support

Meanwhile, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has become a key figure in the unfolding political drama. Sources within the NNPP told Pressmen that both opposition leaders and the APC are vying to secure Kwankwaso’s support, given his massive grassroots following in Kano State — one of Nigeria’s biggest voting blocs.

“Kwankwaso is under immense pressure to join the coalition. Tinubu’s allies are also in talks with him, but it’s clear that many people no longer want to associate with this government,” a source said. “Wherever he goes, his followers will follow.”

Hashimu Dungurawa, the NNPP’s Kano State Chairman, confirmed this sentiment, saying the party’s loyalists would back Kwankwaso’s decision without hesitation.

Wave of Defections

Since the ADC’s adoption, several PDP leaders and aggrieved APC members have dumped their parties to join the growing coalition. InfoStride News gathered that at least five PDP governors have signalled readiness to defect, while some APC governors, particularly from the North, are reportedly offering covert support.

In Zamfara State alone, over 100 politicians have joined the ADC, according to state chairman Kabiru Garba, who also disclosed that Governor Dauda Lawal is expected to join soon.

Recent high-profile resignations include former Benue Attorney General Alex Adum, who left the PDP after 26 years, citing the need to “rescue Nigeria.” Other notable exits have been recorded in Benue, Kano, Niger, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states.

Presidential Ticket Tensions

However, analysts warn that the coalition could face internal rifts as key power brokers angle for the ADC’s presidential ticket.

While Atiku’s allies insist he is best positioned to lead the party’s challenge, Peter Obi’s supporters maintain that he must be the sole flag bearer, ruling out any running mate role for the former Anambra State governor.

“Wherever Peter Obi goes, we follow him — but only as a presidential candidate,” Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told Newsmen. “We’re not considering any other option for 2027.”

Some northern stakeholders are reportedly pushing for an Atiku-Obi ticket, while others in the South favour a candidate like Rotimi Amaechi.

As the ADC navigates this delicate balancing act, political watchers say its ability to manage competing ambitions will determine whether the coalition can present a united front strong enough to unseat the APC in 2027.