Major Political Shift in Nigeria as Key Leaders Unite Against Ruling Party

In a significant move to reshape Nigeria's political landscape, former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming to unite against incumbent President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress. This alliance comes as both leaders seek to rectify past mistakes and increase their electoral odds in the 2027 elections.

Nigeria is experiencing a seismic shift in its political landscape as prominent opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have officially aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This coalition is poised to challenge President Bola Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, marking a historic moment in the country's post-military regime governance since 1999.

Atiku, a former Vice-President, and Obi, the ex-governor of Anambra, have strategically chosen the ADC to bolster their chances against Tinubu, who won the 2023 election with a mere 37% of the vote. Previously, the opposition was fragmented, leading to Abubakar and Obi securing 29% and 25% respectively. Their newly formed coalition comes in the wake of the PDP and Labour Party (LP) facing internal turmoil widely perceived to be fueled by external influences.

Interim ADC chairman David Mark emphasized the coalition's mission to protect Nigeria’s democracy from declining into a one-party state. Analysts indicate that Abubakar and Obi’s collaboration reflects lessons learned from the last electoral cycle, as they leverage their proximity to victory in 2023 to unify their voter base this time around.

Although official candidate announcements are pending, current political speculation suggests that 78-year-old Abubakar may pursue the presidency in what would be his fifth attempt, with 63-year-old Obi as his vice-presidential selection. Additional heavyweights joining this coalition include former Senate President David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, each with significant influence in Nigerian politics.

Political analysts present a mixed forecast for the coalition’s prospects; while some feel their unity enhances their chance against Tinubu, others caution that the incumbent president has the advantage of incumbency. The ruling APC, however, appears unfazed by the emerging coalition, dismissing it as a non-threat, with Ali Bukar Dalori, acting chairman of APC, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s re-election.

Meanwhile, the PDP has firmly stated it will not join forces with the ADC, opting to confront the APC independently. Similarly, the Labour Party is rallying its supporters to stay committed to its stand-alone agenda.

As the landscape evolves, political observers will be closely monitoring the developments leading to the elections, assessing the impact of this unprecedented alliance.