Nigeria’s opposition leaders gathered in Abuja on Thursday under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, in what many observers described as a bold step toward forming a strong third force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the heavyweights in attendance were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Also present were ex-Minister of Digital Economy Isa Pantami and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed.
Atiku, who posted about the gathering on his official X handle, framed the meeting as part of a wider national resistance against entrenched political powers.
“I am currently at the stakeholders meeting of the Coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja.
It’s a meeting of the Nigerian people against the oligarchs who promote poverty and insecurity in the land,” Atiku declared.
The ADC coalition, officially adopted by opposition figures in July, has quickly positioned itself as a rallying platform for leaders determined to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Originally formed in 2005 as the Alliance for Democratic Change before becoming the African Democratic Congress, the party was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2011.
Since then, it has attempted to build a centrist political identity, but its adoption by prominent defectors has transformed it into a formidable opposition bloc.
The coalition now boasts an impressive lineup of political figures.
Apart from Atiku, Tambuwal, and el-Rufai, others aligned with the group include former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
Also backing the movement are former House of Representatives Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, ex-Kogi Senator Dino Melaye, and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.
Analysts believe the ADC coalition represents one of the most serious attempts yet to break Nigeria’s two-party dominance.
The presence of political heavyweights from different backgrounds signals a growing appetite for a united front capable of mounting a credible challenge in 2027.
For now, opposition leaders insist the coalition is not just about elections, but about confronting poverty, insecurity, and governance failures.
Yet, as the 2027 race looms closer, the coalition is expected to play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.