Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has broken his silence regarding the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, expressing strong support for the alliance and its mission ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking after the coalition’s official unveiling in Abuja, Obi stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to rescue Nigeria from its current socio-economic and political challenges. He stated that the formation of the coalition reflects a collective resolve among leaders of conscience to work together for a better Nigeria.
“Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections,” Obi said. “Distinguished Senator David Mark has been selected to serve as the National Chairman, while His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will serve as the National Secretary.”
He described the decision as the outcome of “deep reflection” on Nigeria’s present condition, emphasizing that it was made with full awareness of the sacrifices required. According to Obi, Nigeria urgently needs competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that places the welfare of the people above all else.
“No single group can transform Nigeria in isolation,” Obi noted. “To dismantle the structures that perpetuate poverty and insecurity, we must come together and build bridges—even when those bridges may be uneasy.”
The ADC coalition’s unveiling ceremony, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew notable political heavyweights from various parties, highlighting the broad appeal of the new movement. Attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, among others.
A major highlight of the event was the formal announcement of a significant leadership transition within the African Democratic Congress. Dr. Ralph Nwosu, the founder and pioneer National Chairman of the ADC, announced that the party’s existing leadership had stepped down voluntarily to make way for a new direction under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Speaking with emotion and resolve, Nwosu said, “We all decided to resign so that Mark can paddle this canoe and get us to the Villa,” signaling a shared commitment to unseating the current administration and restoring democratic ideals.
The new coalition aims to unify diverse political interests under a single platform to present a viable alternative for Nigerians in 2027. By combining experience, vision, and political will, the leaders hope to chart a new course for the country’s future.
In summary, the ADC coalition represents a renewed push for transformative leadership, anchored on unity, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility. As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on this new alliance to see whether it can galvanize support and bring about meaningful change.