Nigeria's political landscape is abuzz with the formal emergence of a new opposition coalition, which has officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its vehicle for the 2027 general elections. This development, following months of nocturnal meetings among prominent political figures, aims to present a formidable challenge to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The coalition's unveiling in Abuja saw the gathering of several influential politicians. Former Senate President David Mark was appointed as the interim National Chairman of the ADC, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named the interim National Secretary. Other notable figures present and linked to the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. This assembly of political heavyweights signals a significant realignment of forces.

The choice of an existing political platform, the ADC, was a strategic one, largely influenced by time constraints for registering a new party. However, this decision was not without internal debate. Dr. Umar Ardo, a co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats, advocated for the registration of an entirely new platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), arguing it would ensure collective ownership and prevent potential destabilization by existing internal structures or external influences. He suggested that relying on an established party risked the incumbent government exploiting loopholes or influencing court decisions. Despite these concerns, the coalition proceeded with the ADC, with existing party leaders reportedly stepping down to facilitate the takeover.

Individual positions within the coalition vary. Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, declared his willingness to serve a single four-year term if he secures the ADC presidential ticket, emphasizing the unwritten agreement of North-South power rotation. Amaechi was critical of the Tinubu administration, stating it was worse than former President Muhammadu Buhari's government in terms of security and INEC's independence, alleging that the electoral body is now compromised. Peter Obi also expressed readiness for a one-term presidency, advocating for a competent and compassionate leadership focused on Nigerians' welfare. Many prominent figures, including Amaechi and Malami, have formally announced their exit from their former parties (APC for Amaechi, PDP for Malami) to join the ADC. Emeka Ihedioha similarly declared his allegiance to ADC after resigning from the PDP. However, Peter Obi's statement on the coalition was seen by some as hesitant regarding a formal defection from the Labour Party, and former LP vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed affirmed he had not left Labour Party, warning the new coalition risked "playing Tinubu's game" by rushing into alliance-building. Conversely, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika denied joining ADC, reaffirming his commitment to the APC, while Senator Abdul Ningi declared his unwavering loyalty to the PDP.

The emergence of the coalition has drawn swift and sharp reactions from the ruling APC. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, described the ADC coalition as a "hollow alliance of disgruntled politicians," driven by personal ambition and bitterness rather than ideology. He labeled its promoters as "desperados" and "recycled politicians" seeking relevance. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, called it a "coalition of hoaxers and self-obsessed merchants of vendetta," asserting that the ADC has no injustice to redress but merely serves individual ambitions. Sunday Dare, another presidential aide, contrasted the ADC coalition unfavorably with the 2013 APC merger, which he said was rooted in selflessness and national interest, unlike the current opportunistic move.

Other major political parties have also reacted. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially denied directing its members to join the coalition, stating its primary focus is on internal unity and its upcoming national convention, though it remains open to working with "well-meaning, like-minded citizens." The Labour Party (LP) has experienced significant internal strife over Peter Obi's involvement. The Julius Abure-led faction issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Obi to resign, accusing him of anti-party activities and being a "power monger." In contrast, the Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction dismissed the ultimatum as baseless, reaffirming its full support for Obi's coalition efforts and stating that the Abure group lacked legal standing. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) announced plans to poach governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State into its fold.

Concerns about external interference and the integrity of the coalition have also surfaced. The abrupt cancellation of the coalition's initial unveiling venue, the Wells Carlton Hotel, due to an "internal compliance matter" was widely seen as an attempt by powerful forces to derail the event, underscoring fears of the government's interference with opposition activities. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai explicitly warned of APC's attempts to infiltrate and destabilize the ADC, revealing a backup plan to register an entirely new party if necessary. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC's 2023 presidential candidate, and Musa Isa Matara, the party's National Publicity Secretary, also voiced strong opposition to the "chaotic coalition arrangement," citing unresolved legal crises and accusing new entrants of attempting to hijack the party. Kachikwu further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of collusion in the ADC crisis, threatening legal action for its failure to resolve the party's leadership tussle.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, launched scathing verbal attacks on the coalition leaders, questioning their past performance and motives, and asserting that Nigerians were not considering ADC as a viable political force. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi retorted, dismissing Wike's outbursts as a sign of "mortal fear" and "jitteriness" over the coalition's growing strength, attributing Wike's criticisms to unfulfilled promises and the government's failures. These exchanges highlight the heated political environment surrounding the new alliance.

The coalition faces challenges not only from external adversaries but also from internal scrutiny. Critics like Joshua Omojuwa question the sincerity and effectiveness of "old heads" forming new alliances, suggesting that "where old heads are gathered, headaches are guaranteed." This sentiment reflects a broader public skepticism about whether the new coalition, comprising many seasoned politicians, can truly offer a fresh start or if it is merely history repeating itself. Rotimi Amaechi also placed some blame on citizens' docility for leadership failure in Nigeria, urging them to take more responsibility. The ultimate success of this coalition will depend on its ability to overcome these multifaceted challenges, demonstrate genuine internal democracy, and convince Nigerians that it offers a credible, purposeful alternative for 2027 and beyond.