A coalition of prominent political figures on Tuesday took control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The list includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai,
Tensions, however, flared within the party as some members opposed the takeover.
While certain stakeholders—including the 2023 ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, the National Publicity Secretary Dr Musa Matara, and other party loyalists—rejected the move, the party’s Kebbi State chapter welcomed it, describing the development as positive.
Following the shift in leadership, party Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu and Secretary Alhaji Baba Abdullahi stepped down, paving the way for former Senate President Senator David Mark to become Interim National Chairman and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola to serve as Interim National Secretary.
Some former ministers under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and ex-members of the APC’s National Working Committee also joined the coalition.
Among those present were Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, his running mate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, ex-governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and Babachir Lawal (former SGF).
Others included ex-APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former APC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi; ex-APC National Secretary Senator John Akpanudoedehe; and former APC Vice Chairman (Northwest) Salihu Lukman.
Also present were Rotimi Amaechi, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), ex-Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai.
Additional attendees included Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd.), ex-PDP Chairman Uche Secondus, former governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Jubrilla Bindow (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Idris Wada (Kogi), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo), and Agboola Ajayi (Ondo).
Others included activist Aisha Yesufu, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.), Senators Dino Melaye, Ireti Kingibe, Victor Umeh, Aishatu Binani, Ishaku Abbo, and personalities like Ovation publisher Dele Momodu, ex-IGP MD Abubakar, Celestine Omehia, Lauretta Onochie, and Dr Mani Ibrahim.