BREAKING: El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Other Opposition Leaders Adopt ADC To Unseat Tinubu In 2027, Name David Mark, Aregbesola As Protem Leaders

In a dramatic realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape, top opposition leaders have adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new political platform, nominating former Senate President David Mark as the party’s protem national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as protem national secretary.

The announcement emerged from a high-level meeting currently underway, signalling a major coalition of political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Prominent leaders present at the meeting include former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Oyegun, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and former House Speaker and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

Others in attendance include influential political figures like Kashim Imam and other senior stakeholders from across the political spectrum.

Sources at the meeting described the development as a convergence of politicians from across party lines, driven by a shared determination to unseat President Bola Tinubu and dislodge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.

The coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others.

They argue that President Tinubu’s administration has failed to deliver on its promises, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and what they call “renewed hardship” instead of “renewed hope”.

The coalition aims to unify opposition forces across party lines to present a single, formidable candidate in 2027. Their rhetoric frames the movement as a rescue mission rather than just a political contest.

Earlier, after defecting from the APC in early 2025, El-Rufai endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the ideal platform for the coalition, praising its legacy and branding.

However, SDP insiders, including its 2023 presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, distanced the party from El-Rufai’s plans. This internal friction, along with fears of infiltration by Tinubu loyalists, made the SDP a shaky foundation.

In June 2025, the coalition applied to register a new party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) with INEC. The application included a constitution, manifesto, and a maize-themed logo symbolsiing prosperity.

El-Rufai expressed doubts that INEC, under its current leadership, would approve the registration, citing political bias.

Two different groups submitted applications for parties with the ADA acronym—All Democratic Alliance and Advanced Democratic Alliance—which could complicate approval.

Facing delays and uncertainty around ADA’s registration, the coalition has now adopted the ADC as its platform.