Presidency Hits Back as Defectors, Ex-Ministers, and Opposition Heavyweights Form Coalition to Dethrone Tinubu in 2027
The Presidency has responded to the emergence of a new political alliance formed by prominent figures across party lines aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
This reaction follows the public unveiling of a major leadership transition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday, where notable political defections were also announced.
The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Ralph Nwosu, disclosed that the party has now evolved into a broader coalition aimed at challenging the current administration.
According to Nwosu, former Senate President David Mark has been appointed to lead the coalition, which has its sights set on capturing power at the federal level. He will be supported by former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was named the coalition’s Secretary.
Among those who publicly announced their defection to the ADC is Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and two-time presidential aspirant.
Amaechi officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that Nigeria is in a state of total collapse. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s political and governance systems.
“You can’t be part of a club where the majority of members are stealing public funds and you remain silent,” Amaechi stated, referencing widespread corruption within the APC. Read here.
In a similar move, Abubakar Malami, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, also tendered his resignation from the APC and declared his allegiance to the ADC. In a personally signed statement, Malami explained that his decision was not driven by anger or ambition but by concern for the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“Our economy is in complete disarray. Prices of essential goods have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are vanishing. The youth are losing hope,” Malami wrote. He described his defection as a moral stand in response to the nation’s worsening condition. Read here.
Reacting to the developments, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the significance of the new alliance, labeling it as a desperate attempt by disgruntled politicians to regain relevance.
In a strongly worded statement, Onanuga stated: “Some individuals now claiming to be part of the hijacked ADC had left the APC either years or months ago.
“The public should not be misled by the opposition’s narrative about their importance or whether the APC is bothered by their exit.”
He went on to discredit the political standing of those involved in the coalition: “Rotimi Amaechi’s heart left the APC in 2022 after he lost the presidential primary to President Tinubu.
“Abubakar Malami distanced himself from the party after losing the Kebbi governorship bid and since Tinubu assumed leadership. Hadi Sirika, now with the ADC, is under trial for contract splitting and other charges.
“Rauf Aregbesola was expelled for anti-party activities during the last Osun State election. Kashim Imam walked away after failing to secure the vice-presidential ticket, while Chief John Odigie Oyegun, now in his eighties, lost interest long ago and has since been involved with this coalition.”
Onanuga criticized the group’s unity as being based solely on opposition to President Tinubu rather than any shared vision or ideology.
“A political party or alliance with no coherent agenda—united only by their hatred for President Tinubu—cannot lead Nigeria forward. These are not patriots but desperados seeking power for personal gain, not for the benefit of Nigerians.”
He concluded by warning the public: “My advice to Nigerians: keep your eyes wide open. These individuals want power at all costs because they fear another four years in the political wilderness. But their alliance will collapse under the weight of their own conflicting ambitions.”