…As factional wars threaten 2027 bid
The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), is deep in high-stakes political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections, holding behind-the-scenes talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan over a possible presidential run — even as internal crises and power tussles threaten to derail its ambitions.
Senior party sources confirmed that Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has met coalition leaders at least three times and given “encouraging” signals, ruling out a return to the PDP due to the influence of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike.
“He knows the problems in PDP and does not want to wrestle with Wike, who has the party in his grip,” one chieftain told reporters, adding that talk of an automatic ticket remains undecided: “When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it”, he stated.
The ADC became the adopted platform of a mega-opposition coalition on July 1, bringing together political heavyweights, including: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufa’i, Bukola Saraki, Rotimi Amaechi, and Abubakar Malami, all aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in 2027.
Former Vice-President Atiku, who recently quit the PDP after protracted infighting, has postponed his formal ADC entry, initially scheduled for August 6 in Jada, Adamawa State.
State chairman, Shehu Yohanna said Atiku told him the ceremony may now hold in mid-August or September, pending the anticipated defection of several APC governors to the ADC.
Party insiders say the delay also reflects a growing contest for control between Atiku’s loyalists and allies of Peter Obi, whose movement is consolidating its grip on ADC structures in the South.
Even as it courts top political figures, the ADC is battling internal fractures. The party was plunged into crisis after the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman and ex-Osun state governor, Ra’uf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Old leaders have rejected the new executives, with some heading to court over what they call an “illegal takeover”. 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu is also threatening legal action.
State chairmen in Borno, Benue, and Nasarawa states are resisting the Abuja leadership, while in many states — including Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Oyo, Bayelsa, Delta, Sokoto, and Enugu — the ADC still operates as a fringe player.
In Ogun, the party has struggled since its 2019 governorship flagbearer defected to the APC. In the South-East, it is virtually absent in Enugu and only modestly visible in Anambra, where its popularity will be tested in the November 8 governorship election.
In Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi has declared for president on the ADC platform; but with limited backing from his old allies. In Bayelsa and Kaduna, leadership disputes and factional resistance persist.
While the Coalition’s high-profile entrants generate buzz, political observers warn that without unity and stronger grassroots structures, the ADC’s 2027 dreams may remain just that — dreams.
