Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi Form Africa Democratic Congress Coalition to Challenge Tinubu’s APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s main opposition figures, former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and former Governor Peter Obi, have united under a new political coalition named the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The coalition, officially adopted in mid-2025, represents a strategic alliance between the leaders of Nigeria’s two largest opposition parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP)—who have since defected to the ADC platform.

This move aims to consolidate opposition votes and prevent the fragmentation that characterized the last election, where Tinubu won with just 37% of the vote while opposition support was split between Atiku and Obi.

Interim ADC chairman, former Senate President David Mark, emphasized the coalition’s mission to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent the country from sliding into a one-party state dominated by the APC.

Our goal is to protect Nigeria’s democratic space, which is increasingly under threat due to defections and political maneuvering” Mark said.

The formation of the ADC coalition marks one of the most significant realignments in Nigerian politics since the end of military rule in 1999.

It brings together diverse political forces under a grassroots-oriented party originally founded in 2005, which has steadily grown its presence in the National Assembly.

Political analysts view the coalition as a response to the challenges faced by the PDP and Labour Part both grappling with internal divisions and external pressures.

By joining forces under the ADC, Atiku and Obi seek to present a united front capable of challenging the APC’s dominance and promoting a more inclusive and competitive political environment.

The coalition has already attracted endorsements from several prominent politicians, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, signaling broad support for the new alliance.

The ADC plans to build momentum through nationwide state convergences and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 polls.

As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, the ADC coalition’s emergence injects renewed vigor into the opposition landscape, raising the stakes for President Tinubu’s administration and shaping the country’s democratic future.