Crisis in ADC as Party Leaders Clash Over 2027 Anti-Tinubu Coalition

In what is shaping up to be a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election, deep cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following its reported adoption by a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi. The development has not only thrust the previously fringe party into the national spotlight but also triggered intense internal wrangling over leadership control, with many state chapters resisting perceived external takeover.

Multiple sources confirmed to our correspondent that the ADC recently amended its constitution to allow new entrants to enjoy equal rights and privileges—an unprecedented move designed to accommodate heavyweight defectors and presidential hopefuls under the new anti-Tinubu coalition.

National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, who confirmed the constitutional changes, said they were necessary to make the party a “vehicle for transformation.” According to him, “Before now, members had to wait two years to be eligible for contesting or holding a party position. We’ve now opened it up so that everyone—new or old—has equal opportunity.”

This decision followed a series of National Executive Council (NEC) meetings, culminating in sweeping constitutional reforms ratified on May 15, 2025. The amendments abolished prior limitations on newly registered members, including restrictions on contesting presidential and executive positions.



The ADC’s elevation as the coalition’s political platform came after failed merger talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reportedly due to President Bola Tinubu’s growing influence in SDP’s leadership. The ADC, founded in 2005, emerged as a more neutral and flexible option for opposition blocs looking to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

Despite its limited national structure and modest electoral record—winning a few National Assembly and state legislative seats in 2019—the party now finds itself at the epicenter of a high-stakes political game.


While some ADC state chairmen expressed enthusiasm over the coalition, others have vowed not to cede power to newcomers.

In Ogun, Rivers, Niger, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Gombe States, party officials welcomed the merger plan, with some openly declaring readiness to relinquish offices for the sake of unity. Ogun ADC Chairman, Dr. Femi Soluade, revealed that strategic repositioning was underway, “We are doing some fixtures at the regional and state levels to accommodate over six coalition blocs, with ADC remaining the senior partner.”

Rivers State Chairman, Lawrence Egbagiri, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “For the sake of the country, we are willing to relinquish our offices.” Kebbi’s Hauwa’u Muhammed also submitted to national leadership’s directive, asserting, “If relinquishing our seats will take our party to greater heights, so be it.”

Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala disclosed that the decision to open leadership roles to incoming members was a consensus reached in Gombe, emphasizing that the unity of the party was paramount.



However, dissenting voices are growing louder from Osun, Delta, Plateau, and Benue States, where chairmen are pushing back against the coalition’s terms.

Osun State Chairman, Charles Omidiji, insisted that no defector would be allowed to displace the existing leadership. “If we have to negotiate, it will be a give-and-take situation. But we can’t welcome the idea of one group taking all the positions.”

Delta State’s Austin Okolie echoed similar resistance: “You can’t replace those who have kept the party alive. Newcomers must harmonize with current leadership.”

In Plateau, Sabiu Musa ruled out any immediate congress to accommodate new leaders, advising defectors to wait until the next scheduled convention. Benue ADC’s Celestine Orbunde said the old members would not allow themselves to be rendered useless, warning of internal tensions if consensus is not prioritized.

Gombe Chairman Auwal Barde was blunt, stating, “We welcome positive coalitions, but we won’t hand over leadership to newcomers who barely understand our history.”


The ADC Vice Chairman for the South-East, Chilos Godsent, raised alarm over the potential for “imposition and impunity,” warning that any undemocratic enforcement of leadership changes could destabilize the party.

He stressed that a win-win formula through negotiation and integration must guide the process, noting that the ADC’s symbolic handshake logo reflects unity and inclusivity—not coercion.


Amid the division, National Chairman Nwosu remains firm that the ADC will play a central role in Nigeria’s political rescue mission. “It’s not about owning the party; politics is public trust. We must create space for all those who want to join in rebuilding Nigeria,” he stated.

He acknowledged that the coalition’s success hinges on trust and equity, emphasizing that “everybody must feel carried along.”


Political analysts believe the coalition’s adoption of the ADC is a bold but risky gamble. According to political commentator Dr. Emmanuel Agada, “Without robust internal consensus, the ADC could implode under the weight of the same elite political interests it hopes to rally.”

Others say the resistance from entrenched party officials reflects Nigeria’s broader political culture, where loyalty is often rewarded with prolonged tenure, and leadership changes are contentious.


As the 2027 general elections approach, the ADC stands at a crossroads—either evolve into a truly national opposition force or fracture under internal dissent. With Atiku and Obi eyeing the party as a united platform against Tinubu’s dominance, how well the ADC manages its internal restructuring will determine its political relevance in the coming months.