After a protracted battle with internal crises, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—once celebrated as Africa’s largest political party and later as the country’s main opposition force—appears to have suffered a near-fatal blow, as the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) now seems poised to strip it of the last vestiges of its former glory.

This came as the much-anticipated coalition of opposition politicians—drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party (LP), and other fringe political platforms—formally coalesced under the ADC banner yesterday.

The rebranded ADC unveiled former Senate President, Dr. David Mark, as its Protem National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary.

Before the unveiling, the immediate past ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, led other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to resign their positions.

Shortly after announcing his resignation, Nwosu presented the party’s membership card and insignia to both Mark and Aregbesola amid cheers from hundreds of coalition politicians gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The venue became an alternative location after the owners of Carlton Wells Hotel withdrew use of their facility.

Nwosu revealed that discussions on the need for patriotic political actors to forge a united front had been ongoing for the past 18 months. He called on Nigerians to rally behind the ADC, which he said could rescue the country from what he described as the “intensive care unit” under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

In a speech titled ‘Beyond Politics and Power,’ Nwosu explained that the coalition—backed by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, along with other key national stakeholders—was established to usher in a government that would reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.

He paid tribute to the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and other patriots who fought for the return of democracy, lamenting that “the APC-led administration has become a government of palliatives, thereby abandoning its primary responsibility of ensuring the security and wellbeing of Nigerians.”

Among the dignitaries in attendance at the event were the presidential candidates of the PDP and the LP in the 2023 poll, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi; the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Ireti Kingibe; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Others included John Odigie Oyegun and Uche Secondus, both former national chairmen of the APC and PDP; Senator Dino Melaye; Orkev Jev; Solomon Dalong; Prof Oserheimen Osunbor; the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; the former Secretary of the APC, Dr. James Akpanudoedehe; former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Hon. Nnena Elendu Ukeje; and Dele Momodu.

Also present were Senator Gabriel Suswam; Kashim Imam; Enyinnaya Abaribe; Babachir Lawal; Jibrilla Bindow; Tunde Ogbeha; Uche Secondus; Abdulfatah Ahmed; Bolaji Abdullahi; Bawa Bwari; Emeka Ihedioha; former Chief of Air Staff, Sadiq Abubakar; Senator Isyaku Abbo; Senator Liyel Imoke; Senator Victor Umeh; Celestine Umeha; Senator Aisha Binani; Capt. Idris Wada; Leo Maeba; and Adamu Maina.

Crisis brews as ADC faction alleges imposition, rejects Aregbesola, Mark

Uncertainty is mounting over the viability of the newly formed opposition coalition following the adoption of the African Democratic Congress as its platform for the 2027 general elections, as dissenting voices within the party have rejected the move.

Former leaders of the ADC, including the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, and the “National Publicity Secretary of ADC (original)”, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, have criticised the adoption, claiming it lacked the consensual approval of original members of the party.

While acknowledging the need for reform, the splinter group stated, “We are opposed to hijack, to imposition, and to speeches that sound revolutionary, but hide elitist intentions beneath poetic language.”

They insisted that “until a legitimate, constitutionally-backed ADC National Convention or NEC confirms leadership changes, no one has the moral or legal right to speak for our party nationally.”

In a letter of complaint issued on behalf of youth and women leaders, state executives and ward coordinators nationwide, Matara outlined a seven-point basis for rejecting former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.

The points include the alleged lack of a legitimate mandate, false coalition claims, unresolved legal crisis, an imposed arrangement intended to lure unsuspecting members, a legacy of undemocratic culture, marginalisation of the youth, and mistaking silence for consent or party supremacy.

Warning new entrants into the ADC, the aggrieved members criticised Aregbesola’s acceptance speech, noting: “Ironically, the speech talks about internal democracy, ideological discipline, and inclusiveness—yet the very process by which former Governor Aregbesola emerged contradicts every word he just spoke.

“Democracy cannot begin with imposition. The ADC must not become another replica of the broken parties we seek to replace.” Kachikwu added: “It is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar-led group announce their takeover of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress. As expected, I have been inundated with numerous calls and messages seeking my reaction to the unfolding drama.

“The facts of the matter are as follows: the Atiku-led group are in some form of alliance with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu. The tenure of the Nwosu-led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country.”

Also reacting, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, dismissed the ADC’s new momentum, saying, “You don’t join thieves to fight thieves.”

Similarly, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Osita Okechukwu, warned Nigerians to beware of “political hawks”, alleging that those rallying on the ADC platform are pursuing a hidden agenda aimed at state capture.

Reacting to the unveiling of ADC leaders in Abuja, Okechukwu said: “My take is that Nigerians should beware of the political hawks who regrettably devoured our sister political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by violently breaching the rotation convention of president from north to south and Section 7 of the PDP Constitution.

In his acceptance speech as Protem National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, former Senate President Dr. David Mark warned that unseating the President Bola Tinubu-led administration would not be an easy task, but urged Nigerians to unite in defence of the country’s democracy and halt what he described as a drift towards a one-party state.

Mark accused President Tinubu of steering the nation into civilian dictatorship, alleging that the President is behind the destabilisation and infiltration of opposition political parties as part of a broader strategy for total state capture and to leave Nigerians with no viable alternative but to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

He emphasised that the opposition coalition transcends the quest for political power, describing it instead as “a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.”

“I have never seen a government with so much corruption, and yet much more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of ordinary Nigerians wallowing in poverty and at the receiving end of insecurity across the length and breadth of the country,” he said.

Mark expressed deep concern over what he termed the total emasculation of the legislative arm, arguing that Nigerians deserve good governance and a government that protects their welfare.

“It is on record that within two years of the current administration coming to power, it has hijacked all democratic institutions and sent our country on a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship,” he said.

He continued: “The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective—to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state.

“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications. A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of ordinary Nigerians. A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty.

“We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on a daily basis. Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed. Indeed, the Nigerian people deserve a government that protects them and makes them feel safe in their own homes.”

Mark also criticised the weakening of the legislature, warning that “the transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly to a mere appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people. It is the reason why the government is able to get away with various whimsical, unconstitutional policies and actions or inactions that have reduced more Nigerians to abject poverty and widened the boundaries of insecurity and fear.”

Bode George, Lamido reject coalition, accuse defectors of sabotage

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has dismissed the newly announced opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a “dead-on-arrival political stunt.” He warned that those attempting to destroy the PDP cannot hope to rebuild a credible alternative through the ADC.

George, speaking in reaction to the unveiling of former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as leading figures in the ADC coalition, expressed dismay over their involvement, particularly singling out Mark.

“It is baffling, and frankly disappointing that someone like David Mark, a man of military discipline and a two-time Senate President, could abandon the very platform that made him politically relevant,” George said.

He questioned how a founding member of the PDP, who once served as Minister of Communications and Military Administrator, could “stoop so low,” describing the effort as one driven by ambition and desperation for power.

“If anyone wants to leave the PDP, they are free to go. But, to exit with the intention of wrecking the party? That will not stand,” he warned.

George, who once served as Military Administrator of Ondo State, reiterated that the PDP would field a presidential candidate from the Southwest in 2027, a decision he said was rooted in the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

He further criticised Atiku’s repeated presidential ambitions: “Let’s be honest, if Atiku is on the ballot in 2027, he’s not going to win. Nigerians have moved on.”

Reacting anonymously, a party insider pushed back, accusing George and his allies of promoting an unrealistic Southern agenda that could inadvertently benefit President Bola Tinubu.

“Truth is, no Southern candidate can defeat President Tinubu in 2027. Only a northern candidate stands a chance. That’s why some of these so-called critics may actually be doing Tinubu a favour, pretending to oppose him, while playing right into his hands,” the source said.

Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, also distanced himself from the new coalition, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP. Despite acknowledging the party’s internal crises, Lamido vowed never to abandon the platform he helped build.

“The PDP dignified them. We gave them visibility, wealth, and influence. Now, on behalf of their paymasters, they are tearing it apart. These are political orphans trying to eat the womb that birthed them,” he said.

“The PDP is sick, but I will stay and fight for its survival. Abandoning it now would be like killing the future of Nigeria’s democracy. If we all leave, the vultures win.”

Amaechi quits APC, slams Tinubu administration, calls for political overhaul

A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, declaring that Nigeria is in a state of total collapse and in urgent need of a complete overhaul.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress interim executive, Amaechi accused the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission of colluding to hijack upcoming elections.

“Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak,” he said.

Amaechi confirmed he left the APC on Tuesday night, expressing surprise that he had not already been expelled. He added that he had previously warned party leaders not to invite him to any further meetings.

“You can’t be in a club where the majority of people are stealing and you don’t say anything,” he said. On his decision to support a new political movement, Amaechi explained that his focus was not just on changing the ruling party but on fixing the nation itself.

“It’s about changing Nigeria. What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement… to on their own take over government, not us,” he said.

Amaechi also took aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country… People want Buhari to come back.”

He contrasted current economic conditions with those under former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting the steep decline of the naira.

“Dollar was I think N460 or five hundred and something, now a dollar is N1,580. That is more than 100 per cent,” he said. When asked whether the worsening exchange rate could be a deliberate policy, he responded, “Whether it’s a deliberate government policy or not, any government that does not take into consideration the people you are governing is not a policy. President Tinubu said he is not here to make Nigerians happy.” On his future political plans, Amaechi stated, “I have the right to be ambitious, I am not overambitious.”

Malami dumps ruling party, blames insecurity, economic collapse

Amid this political realignment, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami formally resigned his membership in the APC, declaring that his decision was not borne out of anger or personal ambition, but from a deep concern for the state of the nation.

“After wide consultations and deep personal reflection, I hereby announce my resignation from the All Progressives Congress and my decision to align with the African Democratic Congress, the party of choice for our coalition — a coalition driven by the urgent need to rescue our country from further decline,” he said.

Malami added, “Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives while the government prioritises politics over the safety of its citizens.

“Our economy is in shambles. Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless. Instead of focusing on real solutions, the government is consumed by propaganda and political distractions.”

Also speaking in Abuja, a prominent member of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, told journalists that the APC’s recent actions reflected a growing realisation that the party’s hold on power was slipping due to what he described as deception and poor governance.

“We must remember that APC is a special-purpose vehicle put together to grab power. And you must remember that no criminal steals from the same neighbourhood with the same alacrity,” Ezeh said.

“It has now dawned on us all that no politician rigs, buys votes or steals elections to serve the people. APC’s focus was and remains power grab and ostentatious display in yachts and designer cars.”

He added: “For us in the Obidient Movement, we are focused on building a new Nigeria, where justice, peace and progress moderate the distribution of national wealth and opportunities. In fact, for the Obidient Movement, an egalitarian society is all that matters.” (The Guardian)