The much-anticipated coalition of opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a major setback in its first electoral outing, securing just 8,068 votes across 12 states in Saturday’s by-elections.
ADC Coalition’s Ambition for 2027 Elections
Formed in June 2025, the ADC coalition was positioned as a joint platform for opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. The alliance includes top political heavyweights such as:
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
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Ex-Senate President David Mark
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Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate
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Former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Sam Egwu, Babangida Aliyu, and Liyel Imoke
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Former ministers Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Solomon Dalung
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Ex-APC Chairman Odigie Oyegun and ex-Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, among others.
Ahead of the polls, interim ADC National Chairman David Mark urged Nigerians to back the coalition, while Obi, El-Rufai, and other leaders campaigned across Anambra, Kaduna, Edo, and Oyo.
Poor Showing in Key Constituencies
Despite the high-profile backing, ADC failed to make an impact. According to INEC results:
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Kaduna State: ADC managed just 146 votes in Basawa, while APC and PDP polled over 10,000 each in Chikun/Kajuru and Zaria Kewaye.
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Oyo State (Ibadan North): ADC’s Femi Akin-Alamu got only 88 votes, compared to PDP’s 18,404 and APC’s 8,312.
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Adamawa: ADC scored a mere 42 votes.
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Edo State: ADC trailed with 25 votes, against APC’s sweeping 77,053.
One of the few bright spots came in Taraba, where ADC’s Badina Garba recorded 2,069 votes, while in Anambra, Donald Amangbo (Senatorial candidate) polled 2,889 votes and Justina Azuka (House of Assembly) got 1,909 votes. Still, these results fell far short of expectations.
APC Dominates By-Elections
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged the clear winner, tightening its grip in Edo, Ogun, Kogi, and Jigawa, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), NNPP, and APGA picked up victories in other states.
In total, the ADC coalition failed to secure a single seat out of the 16 federal and state constituencies contested.
Reactions: Onanuga Mocks Opposition Leaders
Following the results, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga mocked Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai on X (formerly Twitter), posting a picture of the trio with the caption: “How is the market now?”
Why ADC Failed – Party Chieftain Speaks
ADC chieftain Hon. Chille Igbawua argued that the candidates who contested were not directly nurtured by the coalition’s top leaders.
“When Peter Obi contested in 2023, he had no structure but still won in 12 states, including Lagos. Personality is just as important as political structures. If Obi, Atiku, or El-Rufai were on the ballot, the outcome would have been different,” he said in an interview.
ADC Rejects Results, Alleges Intimidation
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi claimed the elections were marred by intimidation and corruption, insisting that the results did not reflect the coalition’s true strength.
He also criticized Nigeria’s electoral process under the Tinubu administration, describing it as deeply flawed.
What Next for ADC?
The disappointing outcome raises questions about whether the ADC coalition can genuinely challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. For now, the party insists that Saturday’s by-elections were not a true test of its strength and that its real influence will be felt when its leading figures personally contest.
