By ‘Wale Sadeeq

After months of speculations, behind-the-scenes meetings and shifting political alliances, the National Opposition Coalition Movement has officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform.

The movement, led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, aims to further its political interests and contest the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made at a high-profile meeting recently held in Abuja, where prominent political figures gathered to unveil the coalition’s new direction.

At the meeting, former Senate President David Mark was named Interim National Chairman, while former Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, emerged as Interim National Secretary.

Additionally, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, was appointed as the coalition’s Spokesperson; propelling ADC from relative obscurity to the national stage.

Aside from Atiku, the meeting drew a formidable lineup of opposition stalwarts, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Also in attendance were former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state.

The coalition’s roll call extended to other political figures such as former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami; ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), and Celestine Omehia (Rivers).

Former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, ex-IGP Mohammed Abubakar, and Sen. Ireti Kingibe were also present.

Further strengthening the political weight of the coalition were notable personalities like Babachir Lawal, former SGF; Sen. Aishatu Binani; media entrepreneur Dele Momodu; Sen. Dino Melaye; Prof. Olusola Eleka; and Sen. Ishaku Abbo, among others.

In his acceptance speech, Aregbesola, a former close ally of President Bola Tinubu, underscored the need for a paradigm shift in party politics.

He emphasised that ADC must distinguish itself from other parties by being ideologically driven.

“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,” he said.

Calling for accountability and commitment, Aregbesola urged members to support the party’s rebirth and reclaim the soul of Nigerian politics as a service to the people.

Backing that stance, Mark, the interim national chairman, outlined the coalition as more than a political strategy for 2027.

Rather, he presented it as a national rescue mission aimed at offering Nigerians a path to peace, prosperity, and good governance.

Mark, a retired army general and former Communications Minister, described the decision to adopt ADC as the outcome of extensive consultations, promising to transform the party into a “fortress” of revived democracy.

“It will be a party of equal stakeholders, equal joiners and equal owners. It will uphold internal democracy and give voice to both the youth and the experienced,” he said.

Indicating the seriousness of the coalition, several key figures have begun resigning from their former parties.

Mark led the charge by quitting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing its decline and internal divisions.

In his resignation letter dated July 27 and addressed to PDP’s Otukpo Ward 1 Chairman in Benue, Mark lamented the party’s loss of vision, stating that albeit past efforts to rebuild it, recent developments had reduced it to a “shadow of its former self”,

Joining him in the mass exodus were Peter Obi, Amaechi, and Malami, all of whom have publicly aligned with the ADC.

More defections are expected in the coming weeks, according to insiders.

However, not all stakeholders in ADC are pleased with the coalition’s takeover.

A group led by Dr Musa Matara, who identified as the party’s National Publicity Secretary, criticised the process that produced Aregbesola as interim secretary.

Matara, speaking on behalf of youth leaders, women representatives, and state party executives, alleged that the appointments lacked transparency and due process.

He queried the legitimacy of the decisions, asking, “Who appointed Aregbesola? Was the NEC involved? Were state executives consulted?”

In a swift rebuttal, outgoing National Chairman Ralph Nwosu dismissed Matara’s claims, describing him as an impostor.

“He’s unknown to the party. Mabel Oboh is our recognised national publicity secretary,” Nwosu insisted.

Dumebi Kachikwu, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, also expressed skepticism over the coalition’s sincerity.

He accused its promoters of reviving discredited political models and mocked the alliance as a gathering of “mostly geriatrics” bent on continuing their hold on power.

“Nigerians are not fooled. These are the same individuals who held sway for decades and left the country in a sorry state,” Kachikwu said, adding that the coalition had no new vision to offer.

Expectedly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) responded with scorn.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the coalition as a “hollow display of desperation and self-interest” lacking both substance and a clear vision.

“It is a roll call of me-or-nothing politicians who thrive on guile and subterfuge. What real value do they offer Nigerians?” Morka asked.

Similarly, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, expressed doubts about ADC’s ability to dislodge Tinubu.

He warned that’internal wrangling, lack of grassroots support, and competing ambitions could undermine the effort.

“When APC was formed in 2013, major parties collapsed their structures into one. In this case, ADC has no comparable foundation,” Farounbi noted.

Adding to the chorus of caution, Prof. Gbade Ojo, a comparative politics scholar from the University of Ilorin, said the coalition’s internal contradictions may derail its prospects.

“They haven’t agreed on who will fly the presidential flag. Also, legal battles may emerge over the legitimacy of this coalition,” he warned.

Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, also criticised the coalition, accusing its members of hypocrisy.

“These same people contributed to Nigeria’s decline. Now that the current administration isn’t favouring them, they’re forming a coalition out of bitterness,” he alleged.

He questioned El-Rufai’s involvement, suggesting the former governor only joined out of perceived betrayal by Tinubu.

“What happens when he’s no longer favoured by the coalition? More betrayal?” he asked.

Reacting on behalf of the presidency, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, described the coalition as an “opportunistic alliance” led by isolated politicians nursing personal ambitions.

He cautioned against drawing parallels with APC’s historic coalition in 2013, saying, “This is not 2013—and this is certainly not the APC”.

In spite the initial fanfare, analysts say the ADC-coalition alliance must overcome major hurdles, ranging from internal legitimacy crises to credibility concerns and structural gaps.

A Public affairs analyst, Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu noted that while the inclusion of respected figures like Mark and El-Rufai may lend credibility to the effort, their involvement alone cannot guarantee success.

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections, it remains to be seen whether this new coalition can galvanise public support, overcome internal resistance and present a credible challenge to the ruling party.

For now, political observers are watching, and waiting. (NAN)