2027: ADC Momentum Fades as Top Opposition Leaders Delay Defection
The early excitement that trailed the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition seems to be losing steam, PulseNets has learnt.
Sources told PulseNets that the coalition’s momentum has been blunted largely because former vice president Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi are yet to formally register with the ADC despite being central figures in the alliance.
Heavyweights Behind the Coalition
The coalition had been presented as a broad front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with political heavyweights such as Atiku, Obi, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola all reportedly backing it.
Also in the mix are Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami—both former pillars of the ruling APC.
PulseNets obtained reports indicating that David Mark was controversially announced as interim national chairman of the ADC, while Aregbesola was penciled in as national secretary.
Delay in Formal Membership
Despite the public endorsement, insiders told PulseNets that the reluctance of Atiku and Obi to formally join the party is stalling traction.
Atiku has quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but remains politically homeless, while Obi has not resigned from the Labour Party (LP). In a recent interview, Obi even stressed that he would remain in LP while “monitoring” developments in the ADC.
Analysts say Obi risks being accused of anti-party activity, which could complicate his political calculations.
One coalition insider told PulseNets, “The expectation was that these leaders would immediately register at their wards once ADC was adopted, but that has not happened. Even David Mark who is parading himself as chairman is not a card-carrying member.”
Rumours of Obi’s PDP Return
Speculation is rife that Obi may be considering a return to the PDP. Former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff stirred the pot on Channels Television when he claimed that Obi was weighing a PDP comeback to contest its presidential ticket.
Sheriff was quoted as saying: “Peter Obi wants to be President. Atiku has been Vice President, and for him, it’s President or nothing. From the information available to me, Obi could return to the PDP any moment to run for president in 2027.”
This claim, however, has been dismissed by ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, who told Arise TV: “Obi knows better. He is with us. The ADC platform is his best option. Returning to the PDP is a risk he cannot take.”
Strategic Delay or Disarray?
Not everyone believes the ADC is in crisis. Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the APC and former publicity secretary of the defunct nPDP, told PulseNets that Obi and Atiku’s hesitation is a tactical move.
According to Eze, “Their delay is strategic. They are working behind the scenes to make sure ADC’s structures and ideology align with their vision. This is about removing Tinubu and his clueless administration. I am convinced that by September, both Obi and Atiku will formally register with ADC.”
Obi’s Popularity as Decisive Factor
Chief Peter Ameh, a former presidential aspirant and National Secretary of the CUPP, told PulseNets that Obi remains the single most influential figure in the coalition.
Ameh noted: “Peter Obi is the biggest political commodity in Nigeria today. He commands over 12 million votes. He is the only politician to defeat Tinubu in Lagos without senators, House of Reps members or any machinery. That makes him the most viable option for 2027.”
He added that saving Nigeria from collapse was the priority, and that Obi’s broad national appeal places him at the center of the opposition’s strategy.
Also Read: 2027: PDP’s Zoning Calculated to Lure Obi, Jonathan, Amaechi — ADC
While Obi and Atiku’s political body language remains difficult to read, Rotimi Amaechi appears to have thrown himself fully into the ADC project. He has reportedly taken the coalition to Rivers State and is said to be actively recruiting new members.
For now, the ADC remains caught between promise and uncertainty. Its success will depend on whether Atiku and Obi finally take the plunge—or whether their hesitation fractures the coalition before it even takes off.
