The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with internal uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general election as the anticipated membership of former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, ex-governor of Anambra, remains stalled.
Several insiders say the party is struggling to gain traction due to the hesitation of Atiku, Obi, and other political heavyweights to formally join its ranks.
The sources, who asked not to be named, said delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in recognising David Mark’s leadership of the party, coupled with legal disputes and financial constraints, have also slowed down the coalition’s growth.
Responding to the concerns, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, dismissed reports of uncertainty, insisting that the coalition is firmly on track.
On March 20, prominent opposition figures launched a coalition movement in Abuja to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, a development that sparked nationwide debate on the possibility of a united opposition.
Following weeks of consultations, Atiku, Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and others adopted the ADC on July 1 as their political platform.
Under the arrangement, Mark was named interim national chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola serving as national secretary.
Despite public declarations of support, however, membership into the ADC has remained limited.
Atiku, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a month ago, is yet to register with the ADC or any other political party.
Likewise, Obi has not formally joined, even as his Labour Party battles deepening internal crises.
A senior party member told Punch that the situation is a growing concern.
The source said: “Members of the party, especially the NWC members, are seriously worried and concerned that Atiku, Obi, and quite a lot of Nigerians, especially politicians they expected would have joined the ADC, are yet to join. This is affecting the momentum the party is supposed to gather.”
Another coalition leader cited INEC’s delay in recognising Mark’s leadership, as well as court cases, as part of the hurdles facing the party.
“The ADC still remains a formidable party to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. The challenges we have now are just that INEC has not fully recognised the leadership of David Mark, and that is stalling some of our processes,” the source said.