Coalition: Ex-C’River governor Imoke to emerge interim ADC chair

DDM News

A new political coalition is in the final stages of unveiling a restructured African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke, being widely tipped as its interim national chairman.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has gathered that the decision to draft Imoke into the leadership role was finalized in recent high-level discussions among coalition leaders who are currently in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The unveiling of the coalition-backed ADC platform is expected to take place shortly after the conclusion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, according to multiple sources familiar with the internal arrangements.

Key figures within the coalition reportedly believe that Imoke’s political pedigree and moderate stance make him the most acceptable candidate to steer the party as it enters a critical transition phase.

“The leadership of the coalition has opted for former Governor Liyel Imoke to lead the ADC on an interim basis,” a source who is part of the internal planning committee told DDM.

While Senator David Mark was initially considered for the position, the coalition reportedly decided against it due to concerns over his age and the physical demands of the role.

“David Mark has contributed immensely behind the scenes but needs to take a back seat now,” the insider explained. “Imoke is the next logical option, and he will take charge temporarily until a permanent structure is put in place.”

There were minor grievances from some stakeholders who felt Imoke’s closeness to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could be a liability. However, these concerns have reportedly been resolved with reassurances that Imoke’s role would strictly be interim.

“Yes, there were murmurs about his ties with Atiku, but those fears have been put to rest,” the source added. “The position is only a placeholder for now.”

Another source close to the planning team also confirmed to DDM that the official unveiling of the rebranded ADC will occur after the Eid celebrations, although the exact location of the launch remains confidential.

“For strategic reasons, I can’t reveal where the event will take place,” the source said. “But it is definitely after Sallah, and arrangements are already being fine-tuned by our leaders who are currently in Saudi Arabia.”

The presence of many Muslim leaders of the coalition in Saudi Arabia is being utilized to finalize critical details, including the operational structure and political messaging of the new platform.

As the coalition prepares to take a formal leap into Nigeria’s political arena, questions have arisen regarding its potential flagbearer for the 2027 presidential elections.

However, insiders affirm that no candidate has been anointed yet, and all aspirants will be required to undergo competitive primaries.

“We are committed to internal democracy,” the source stressed. “There will be no automatic ticket for anyone, not for the presidency or any other position.”

The coalition appears determined to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both of which have dominated the political landscape since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

Analysts see the selection of Imoke, who served as governor from 2007 to 2015 and previously as Minister of Power and Steel under President Obasanjo, as a move to appeal to moderates and technocrats dissatisfied with the status quo.

Political observers are closely monitoring the coalition’s activities in Saudi Arabia, noting that its success or failure could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the coalition remains largely anonymous in terms of official branding, its backers are said to include disenchanted members of several parties, technocrats, and younger political actors pushing for a generational shift.

The choice of Eid-el-Kabir for the platform’s unveiling is seen as strategic, symbolizing sacrifice and renewal—two themes the coalition is reportedly adopting in its messaging to voters.

Whether or not Imoke’s interim stewardship will evolve into a more permanent leadership role remains to be seen, but for now, the former governor is expected to stabilize and steer the party into the next political cycle.

With Nigeria’s electoral season beginning to take shape, the political class and the electorate alike are watching keenly for what the coalition’s emergence may signify for 2027 and beyond.

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