A major split has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, plan to use the party as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Silent Reforms Spark Internal Crisis
Sources revealed that the ADC quietly amended its constitution to grant equal rights to incoming members. Insiders interpret this as a strategic move to pave the way for prominent political figures defecting to join a proposed anti-Tinubu coalition. However, this decision has ignited internal dissent, especially among state chairmen who are unwilling to surrender their current positions to the newcomers.
While some leaders embrace the coalition’s potential, calling it a necessary step to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), others argue it could undermine existing structures and marginalize long-standing party loyalists.
ADC’s Rise from the Margins
Founded in 2005, the ADC remained a minor player in Nigerian politics until recent coalition talks thrust it into the spotlight. The momentum for an opposition coalition grew amid crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, fueling speculation that the ADC could serve as a new political home for dissatisfied heavyweights.
Despite this attention, the ADC lacks a strong national presence. Correspondents from Sunday PUNCH reported difficulty contacting party representatives, especially in the South-South and South-East regions. In the 2019 elections, the party won a handful of seats, including three in the National Assembly and two in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Why the Coalition Chose ADC
Initially, the coalition considered the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its platform. However, concerns over President Tinubu’s perceived influence within the SDP shifted focus to the ADC. SDP National Secretary Olu Agunloye publicly ruled out mergers or external takeovers, prompting coalition leaders to embrace the ADC instead.
Shortly after ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu declared the party’s readiness to lead the anti-Tinubu movement, it was officially adopted as the coalition platform. While many ADC members welcomed the move, others were skeptical about surrendering leadership positions to newcomers.
Support for the Coalition—with Conditions
Ogun State ADC Chairman, Dr. Femi Soluade, told Sunday PUNCH that adjustments to party leadership are underway to accommodate the coalition. “We’ve realigned and repositioned the party from the top down to ensure success,” he said, adding that the ADC remains the coalition’s “senior partner.”
Similar sentiments were shared by Rivers State Chairman Lawrence Egbagiri and Niger State Chairman Musa Hassan, who both said their states are open to stepping aside—pending decisions made at the national convention. Bauchi Chairman Hassan Haruna emphasized that local chapters would follow the lead of the national body.
Chairmen in Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi States also showed willingness to accommodate newcomers, stressing that the party’s future depends on unity and inclusiveness. Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala confirmed that several state executives had voluntarily agreed to step aside for the coalition’s success.
But Not Everyone Agrees
Despite these positive signals, dissent remains strong in several states. Osun State Chairman Charles Omidiji flatly rejected any attempt to displace current leaders. “We are the ones holding the party together. No defector will come in and take over,” he said, although he left room for compromise through negotiation.
Plateau Chairman Sabiu Musa and Delta Chairman Austin Okolie both emphasized that leadership must be earned, not imposed. “You don’t replace those who built the party,” Okolie said. “We must harmonize, not hand over.”
ADC South-East Vice Chairman Chilos Godsent warned against undemocratic restructuring, calling for a “win-win” model that preserves the contributions of founding members. Benue State Chairman Celestine Orbunde echoed this, saying newcomers must respect the foundation already laid.
Gombe State Chairman Auwal Barde also pushed back, insisting that changes must follow due process. “We welcome coalitions that uplift the party, but we won’t surrender leadership to those unfamiliar with our journey,” he said.
A Party at a Crossroads
Confirming the constitutional amendment, National Chairman Ralph Nwosu said it was done to accommodate new alliances. “Yes, we amended the constitution. We want to be a platform for true transformation,” he said.
With 2027 on the horizon, the ADC finds itself at a pivotal moment. Whether it emerges as a united opposition force or collapses under internal divisions remains to be seen.
