In what appears to be a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, the group late Tuesday night formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform for the polls.Plans for a formal unveiling of the party and the announcement of its interim leadership were scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja.
Following the adoption, the coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark as national chairman, former Osun governor and ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as the party’s spokesperson. Key figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged other members to join the coalition ahead of 2027.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, former Ambassador to China Aminu Wali, and former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus were among those calling for a realignment of forces. They argued that both the ruling APC and opposition PDP had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians.The decision followed a protracted meeting that ran past midnight, marking a turning point for the coalition in its bid to mount a serious challenge to the APC in the next election.
Initially, the group considered forming a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), after talks with both ADC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) broke down. But concerns that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might stall the registration of a new party prompted a return to the negotiating table with ADC.
Although ADC is reportedly aligned with a former president (unnamed), renewed dialogue with its core leadership culminated in its adoption as the coalition’s vehicle. The official unveiling was slated for 2 p.m. Wednesday.Aregbesola, who reportedly declined the offer at first, eventually accepted after consultations. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the need for ideological clarity, integrity, and people-focused politics.
He said, “It is with deep humility, profound sense of duty and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party that I accept the appointment as the national secretary of our great party. “Let me begin by saying this: a political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, not a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.
“Throughout Africa’s history and, particularly, in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa – a 113-year behemoth of party organisation that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials), we have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle and people-centred struggle can achieve.
“The ADC is not perfect but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is, therefore, a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.
“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells, merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people and even less for the country.
“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As the national secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass; a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency, and national development.
“A party that listens and works for the people, not only during elections, but every single day. We must become an institution where internal democracy is not just preached but practised; intra-party competition is transparent, fair and just; all party structures from the ward to the national level function effectively and efficiently; young people, women, and the marginalised have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.”
He said all critical groups—security forces, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, and people with special needs—must have autonomous structures within the party. “We will model international best practices in party organisation, administration and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya, and adapt what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose and service to the people must define us.
“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria, not just during elections but in everyday governance. This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.”
A communique by the PDP elders under the platform “Concerned Leaders of the PDP,” signed by Mark, called on patriotic Nigerians and PDP members to rally behind the coalition. They resolved that coalition members must unite on national unity, democracy, security, economic reform, and anti-corruption efforts. They also outlined plans to win future elections by factoring in both national and local political dynamics. Other PDP stalwarts at the meeting included former governors Lylel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Gabriel Suswam (Benue).
Also in attendance were former Minister of Police Affairs Adamu Maina Waziri, Senators Tunde Ogbeha, Ben Obi, Abdul Ninge, Austin Akobundu, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, ex-PDP financial secretary Abdullahi Maibasira, former publicity secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, among others.
According to the communique, “The meeting of Concerned Leaders of our great Party PDP was called to discuss the disturbing condition the party has been sunk into.“Since our loss in the last presidential election and the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, our dear party has never been the same again. “Vested interests from within and the irresponsible actions of the APC-led federal government, which has been using state institutions to stifle and destroy democracy, knows no bounds.
“The inability of PDP leadership to lead the party by its constitution, rules and regulations led it into a chaotic and undisciplined party. “The vision of the founding fathers, the role it played in stabilising Nigeria and asserting Africa’s leadership globally, has been eroded. Nigeria is now diminished on the world stage.”The statement concluded that the APC’s governance has been a national disaster and must be voted out, describing life in Nigeria as unbearable. The unveiling of the newly adopted political party was scheduled to take place Wednesday in Asokoro, Abuja.
Source : https://www.arise.tv/
