ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it has overcome major internal challenges following a recent Supreme Court decision, which it claims restored full leadership authority to the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the ruling enabled the party to resume core activities such as organising primaries and selecting candidates for upcoming elections.

Reacting to the defection of key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdullahi admitted that the development has complicated opposition strategy. He noted that the exit of the politicians has shifted the electoral landscape into a more fragmented contest, which he said could inadvertently strengthen the ruling party’s position.

On internal disputes and legal concerns, Abdullahi dismissed suggestions that ongoing court cases threaten the stability or electoral readiness of the ADC. He insisted that the party continues to function within the legal framework and that internal disputes are being exaggerated by external observers. According to him, leadership matters within political parties remain internal issues that do not prevent participation in elections.

Addressing claims of internal imposition of candidates, Abdullahi rejected allegations that the ADC is controlled to favour specific individuals. He said the party is committed to a transparent primary election system, where all aspirants are given equal opportunity to contest. He further argued that some politicians who left the coalition did so because they were unwilling to participate in competitive internal processes.

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On zoning and electoral strategy, the ADC spokesman said the party has not adopted any rigid position on regional rotation for the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections. He explained that the party’s decisions will be guided by electoral viability and strategy rather than geographical considerations, stressing that opposition parties must prioritise winning capacity over zoning arrangements.

Abdullahi also alleged that the emergence of the NDC and related political developments are part of a broader effort to weaken opposition unity in Nigeria. He claimed that such fragmentation ultimately benefits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country approaches the 2027 elections. The Presidency has not responded to the allegation at the time of this report.

On governance and electoral issues, he criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for reforms to strengthen its independence and improve electoral credibility. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Tinubu administration, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards.

The ADC spokesman further questioned the independence of the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, arguing that the separation of powers is being weakened in the current political environment.

Despite these concerns and recent defections, Abdullahi reaffirmed that the ADC remains committed to building a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party’s focus remains on ideological clarity, democratic processes, and offering Nigerians what it describes as a credible alternative to the current administration.

ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control

Political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly deepening as the face-off between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole is increasingly being interpreted as an early signal of a wider power struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders say the disagreement is part of a broader realignment within the ruling party, with control of the National Assembly leadership and the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) emerging as key battlegrounds for influence ahead of the next political cycle.

Sources familiar with developments in the party disclosed that recent tensions were partly triggered by a failed attempt to restructure leadership within the PGF, including moves linked to the possible removal of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the forum. Although the plan was later reversed, insiders say it exposed underlying fractures within the APC, especially among competing blocs aligned to different power centres within the presidency and party hierarchy.

There are also claims that some influential actors within the political establishment had supported discussions around replacing Uzodinma with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, further intensifying speculation about internal political realignment within the APC.

At the heart of the growing tension is the struggle for control of the Senate leadership structure, which insiders say is already shaping alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports suggest that Senate President Akpabio has begun positioning for influence over a possible self-succession arrangement in the upper chamber, a move that has reportedly unsettled rival political blocs within the party.

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Although the next National Assembly elections are still months away, political calculations have already begun, with lawmakers quietly engaging in lobbying and strategic positioning for key leadership roles.

Senator Oshiomhole is also believed to be interested in the Senate Presidency, a factor that has contributed to rising tensions within the Senate leadership structure. Other political heavyweights reportedly considering the same position include former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and other influential figures within the APC, setting the stage for what insiders describe as a high-stakes leadership contest after the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the unfolding rivalry reflects deeper succession politics within the APC, with multiple blocs already positioning themselves ahead of the post-2027 political order. The tensions are also linked to broader efforts to influence both legislative and executive power structures, including governorship alignments, Senate leadership control, and party hierarchy restructuring.

Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong influence over the party and National Assembly since 2023, analysts note that internal competition has remained active beneath the surface, with various factions seeking greater control ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The current situation also brings back memories of the 2023 Senate leadership race, where despite strong backing for Akpabio, Senator Yari reportedly mounted a significant challenge and secured substantial support, highlighting the competitive nature of internal APC power struggles.

As political actors continue to position themselves ahead of 2027, the Akpabio–Oshiomhole rift is increasingly seen as a reflection of deeper structural tensions within the APC. Analysts warn that how the party manages these emerging divisions may play a crucial role in determining its cohesion, legislative stability, and electoral strength in the next general election.

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NDC Adopts Southern Presidency for 2027, Kwankwaso Reacts

Former Kano State Governor and opposition leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared support for the decision of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, describing the move as necessary for fairness, unity, and political balance.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s national convention in Abuja, where key resolutions on zoning, leadership structure, and party direction ahead of the 2027 general elections were adopted.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing deepening challenges in security, economic stability, education, and investment growth, largely due to what he described as “weak leadership and poor governance.”

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared largely because of poor leadership,” he said.

The former presidential candidate said the economic hardship in Nigeria, rising insecurity, and declining investor confidence have placed citizens under severe pressure, stressing the need for a leadership model that prioritises national unity.

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Kwankwaso also referenced historical political alliances in Nigeria as justification for rotational leadership arrangements, citing partnerships between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) before independence.

He further mentioned the political collaboration between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic as examples of unity-driven governance.

“It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South so that the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership,” Kwankwaso said.

The zoning arrangement, according to party resolutions, allocates the NDC 2027 presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, after which it is expected to rotate back to the North.

The motion for the zoning structure was reportedly moved by Afam Victor Ogene and seconded by Seyi Sowunmi, and was unanimously adopted by delegates at the convention.

Political observers say the decision could reshape early dynamics within the opposition, particularly strengthening the prospects of key southern aspirants, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who is seen as a major contender within emerging opposition alignments.

The party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, also reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to constitutional democracy, internal discipline, and national development, describing the zoning decision as part of efforts to build trust and inclusiveness.

Kwankwaso and Obi are among several high-profile political figures recently linked with the NDC following reported realignments in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of 2027.

The development is expected to intensify debates around power rotation in Nigeria, zoning politics, and the structure of opposition coalitions as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.

NDC Adopts Southern Presidency for 2027, Kwankwaso Reacts