Politics

Coalitions settle for ADC, to adopt party Wednesday

Published

8 months ago

July 1, 2025

Coalitions settle for ADC, to adopt party Wednesday

Barring any last-minute changes, the coalition of opposition forces is set to formally adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday as its platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Sources familiar with the development told Daily Trust that most coalition leaders have settled on the ADC, following growing concerns that the coalition’s proposed political vehicle, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), may not be registered in time by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meet electoral deadlines.

In May, Daily Trust reported that a majority of coalition figures had agreed to join the ADC after talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) collapsed. Once a fringe actor in national politics, the ADC has since gained traction as the new political bride among opposition forces seeking to unseat the incumbent president.

The coalition, formally unveiled on March 20, includes key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai. However, the question of which political platform to adopt had lingered due to prolonged negotiations, particularly with the SDP.

A coalition member had disclosed to Daily Trust in May that the ADC had emerged as the preferred platform. “The party met all the coalition’s requirements. The leaders were clear about what they were looking for in a platform, and the ADC satisfied those expectations,” he said.

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However, shortly after that disclosure, some coalition figures pushed back, insisting that the registration of a new party, the ADA, remained under consideration. By June, it emerged that the coalition had formally approached INEC to register ADA as an entirely new political entity.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Monday, Dr Umar Ardo, one of the coalition leaders, confirmed that while most leaders have indeed adopted the ADC, the coalition has also resolved to continue pursuing the registration of ADA.

“Most of the leaders have adopted ADC, and they will formally announce their position on Wednesday. But we’ve also agreed that both efforts (the ADC adoption and new party registration) can proceed simultaneously,” Ardo said.

He added that those in favour of registering a new party remain confident that INEC will act in line with the law. “The coalition secretariat is committed to doing everything right to meet the legal and procedural requirements,” he said.

Ardo, the convener of the Northern League of Democrats and a key promoter of the ADA, also commended INEC for acknowledging the coalition’s application.

In a letter dated 27 June, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC confirmed receipt of the application and stated: “Your letter dated 19 June 2025 on the above subject is acknowledged. The commission is processing your application in line with the provisions of Part I, Clause 2(i) of our Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. Accept the assurances of the commission’s high regard.”

Addressing concerns that adopting the ADC while simultaneously pushing for ADA registration could lead to internal conflict or mixed messaging, Ardo argued that both efforts are complementary rather than contradictory.

“Registering a new party is a process—just like adopting an existing one. Both efforts involve grassroots mobilisation and membership drives. Ultimately, they converge at the same objective,” he said.

Ardo cited two major reasons for favouring the registration of a new party. First, he expressed fears of “external manipulations” if the coalition simply fuses into an existing party.

“One of our main concerns is undue influence. Those opposed to a new party fear government interference with INEC. But fusing into an existing party actually exposes us more to manipulation, as you must now contend with entrenched interests.

“Instead of facing the law in a transparent registration process, you engage in transactional politics with existing party owners. The ADC, for instance, has executives elected in December 2022 who insist they won’t step aside until their terms expire in December 2026—well after the primaries. That’s a legal landmine that could result in litigation, and a single court judgement could upend everything,” he said.

His second concern was the potential exclusion of committed coalition members from the process. “You may end up with many people feeling left out,” he warned.

Ardo also distanced himself from narratives suggesting the coalition’s primary aim is to oust President Tinubu. “If our sole goal is to remove Tinubu in 2027, then we’re no different from the political forces that removed Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. We must go beyond that. The coalition should spearhead a renaissance—to change how things are done in this country,” he said.

Coalitions settle for ADC, to adopt party Wednesday

Daily Trust

Politics

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

Published

21 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

John Odigie Oyegun

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

A power struggle has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as two top leaders – John Odigie Oyegun and Roland Owie – clashed over who holds the legitimate authority to convene a party caucus meeting in Edo State.

The confrontation occurred on Monday at Oyegun’s Government Reserved Area (GRA) residence, where he barred Owie and his supporters from attending the meeting. Eyewitnesses reported that suspected thugs blocked Owie’s camp at the gate, preventing entry and escalating tensions.

In response to the standoff, police officers were deployed to maintain order and prevent violence, though efforts to obtain official comments from either faction were unsuccessful as of press time.

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Political analysts say the incident underscores internal friction within the ADC, which is seeking to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections. The caucus meeting was intended to discuss strategic plans and organisational matters for the party’s Edo State chapter, but the leadership dispute threatened to disrupt proceedings.

Observers warn that factionalism and leadership tussles could undermine the party’s unity and strategy as it positions itself as a strong opposition force following the defection of several high-profile politicians, including supporters of Peter Obi, into the ADC last year.

The clash highlights the challenges faced by emerging opposition parties in managing internal governance, authority disputes, and cohesion, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next round of elections.

ADC Leadership Clash: Oyegun Bars Owie from Caucus Meeting in Edo

Politics

2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Published

22 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi

2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has dismissed speculation that ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso could serve as vice presidential candidate to ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

Ahmad made the remark in a post on X on Monday, emphasizing that expectations of a Kwankwaso-Obi joint ticket are politically unrealistic.

Some supporters of the 2023 presidential candidates have been advocating for a joint ticket in 2027, claiming it could present a strong opposition alliance. In February, pro-Kwankwaso groups led by Abba Sadauki Gwale argued that a collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso could be a “chance to rescue the nation from its current challenges.”

Earlier, on February 12, Dr. Alex Chukwuemeka Obiechina, a former governorship candidate in Enugu State, said that a Kwankwaso-Obi alliance would pose a significant threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

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Reacting to these calls, Ahmad stressed that Kwankwaso is unlikely to accept a deputy role, noting that the senator:

Commands a long-standing political structure
Possesses a well-defined political base
Leads a consistent and active political movement

He added that if such a partnership were ever to occur, the only politically viable arrangement would be for Obi to serve as deputy to Kwankwaso, not the other way around.

Ahmad’s statement underscores the complex dynamics of coalition-building in Nigerian politics, where party structures, regional influence, and historical political networks play decisive roles in determining electoral alliances. Analysts note that the discussion reflects early positioning and strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and politicians seek broad national appeal while balancing zoning and regional considerations.

2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Politics

2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged plans to impose candidates in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing to resist any action that undermines the will of the people in the South-East.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, IPOB said political imposition was dangerous, undemocratic, and capable of triggering political tension and instability in the region. The group warned that it would not remain silent if attempts are made to hijack the electoral process in Abia or any other South-East state.

The statement, signed by IPOB’s Southeast Welfare Coordinator, Osinachi Obi, accused some APC leaders of attempting to control political structures in Abia State through what it described as undemocratic and manipulative methods.

According to IPOB, it is closely monitoring political developments across the South-East and will not allow any political party or individual to force candidates on the people, insisting that leadership must emerge strictly through free choice and popular mandate.

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“We have noticed the irresponsible behaviours linked to these individuals concerning the upcoming 2027 elections, and IPOB will not allow them to create chaos in Biafraland in the future,” the group said.
“IPOB will never tolerate any imposition of candidates by APC in any South-East region, particularly in Abia State.”

The organisation directly accused the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, of allegedly working to instigate political unrest in Abia State for personal political gain. IPOB warned that any attempt to manipulate the state’s political process would be strongly resisted.

IPOB also named Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, accusing him of promoting division within his constituency to secure political advantage ahead of 2027.

“The worldwide family and movement of the Indigenous Biafran people is closely monitoring the actions of APC in the South-East and will not accept any attempt to undermine the citizens’ choice,” the statement said, alleging that some politicians were attempting to install political puppets through coercion and division.

The group stressed that Abia State does not recognise political godfatherism, warning that any attempt to use former governors or influential figures to influence election outcomes would be rejected by the people.

IPOB further accused some APC politicians of deliberately instigating conflicts in local government areas to weaken unity, polarise communities, and make elections easier to manipulate.

“Godfatherism is not permitted in the South-East, including Abia State,” IPOB said. “Attempts to ignite conflicts and divide communities for political gain will only undermine the integrity of those involved.”

The group concluded by warning that it would not remain silent if political actors continued what it described as efforts to destabilise the South-East, adding that residents of the region were determined to protect their political space ahead of the 2027 polls.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC and the individuals named had not issued official responses.