ABUJA: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday joined prominent opposition leaders at a high-level meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition in Abuja, as momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections.
The closed-door session, chaired by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, brought together influential figures including former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Minister of Digital Economy Isa Pantami, former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Kwara governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku, confirming his attendance in a post on X, described the gathering as a coalition of the Nigerian people against oligarchs who thrive on poverty and insecurity. He emphasized that the bloc was crafting a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Although absent, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, sent his apologies while reaffirming his loyalty to the coalition.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi outlined three major decisions reached at the meeting:
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All presidential hopefuls will rally behind whoever emerges winner of the ADC primaries.
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Members must resign from other political parties and fully commit to the ADC.
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The party’s National Working Committee will soon announce primary dates in Osun and Ekiti ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship polls.
In addition, the coalition resolved to suspend plans to register the All-Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a new party, channeling focus solely on strengthening the ADC.
Founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2011, the ADC has become a political home for disenchanted leaders across party lines.
The coalition, which formally adopted its structure in July 2025, counts among its ranks Uche Secondus, Rauf Aregbesola, Emeka Ihedioha, Dino Melaye, and former APC chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.
With Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi all seen as likely contenders for the ADC presidential ticket, party leaders insist the initiative transcends personal ambition.
They frame it as a rescue mission aimed at tackling insecurity, economic hardship, and corruption, while positioning the ADC as a united opposition front to challenge APC’s dominance in 2027.
