In anticipation of the 2027 general elections, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar attended a private meeting of African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition leaders in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, which took place at a confidential location within the Federal Capital Territory, included notable figures such as former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
Also in attendance were ex-Minister of Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed; and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku confirmed his attendance via a post on X, where he referred to the gathering as part of a larger resistance movement.
“I am currently at the stakeholders meeting of the Coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja,” his post stated.
“It’s a meeting of the Nigerian people against the oligarchs who promote poverty and insecurity in the land.”
The former Vice-President underscored the opposition bloc’s commitment to providing a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Key Resolutions
The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing unity within the opposition bloc and coordinating strategies for the upcoming 2027 elections.
Among the primary resolutions was the decision to halt efforts to register the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), for which the coalition had previously sought recognition from the electoral commission.
ADC National Chairman David Mark led the session. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, sent his apologies but reaffirmed his loyalty to the coalition.
As stated by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, three significant decisions were made.
Firstly, all presidential aspirants agreed to support whoever is selected as the party’s candidate following the primaries.
Secondly, members were instructed to resign from their affiliations with other political parties and to fully dedicate themselves to the ADC.
Thirdly, the National Working Committee will reveal the dates for the primaries in Osun and Ekiti, in preparation for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections.
The African Democratic Congress, which was initially established in 2005 as the Alliance for Democratic Change and subsequently registered by INEC in 2011, has emerged as the focal point for opposition leaders aiming to contest the APC’s dominance in 2027.
The coalition was officially recognized in July of this year following extensive discussions among politicians who are dissatisfied with the current governance situation.
Notable members include Uche Secondus, Rauf Aregbesola, Emeka Ihedioha, Dino Melaye, and the former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
While the meeting on Thursday reaffirmed the coalition’s dedication to unity, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi are among those anticipated to vie for the presidential nomination.
ADC leaders assert that the coalition represents more than just a merger of interests, characterizing it as a “rescue mission” aimed at addressing issues of insecurity, economic difficulties, and corruption.
