Nigeria’s political opposition showed signs of consolidation as prominent figures from across party lines converged at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a crucial media conference.
The high-profile meeting marked the formalization of a new coalition under the platform of the African Democratic Congress, aimed at presenting a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
The event attracted an impressive roster of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Also in attendance were former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Dino Melaye, former Minister Solomon Dalung, publisher Dele Momodu, Senators Gabriel Suswam and Ireti Kingibe, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Chief Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
The coalition represents an unprecedented alliance cutting across the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and other political interests. Former Senate President David Mark, who recently resigned from the PDP, is set to lead the media conference as the newly appointed interim national chairman of the ADC. Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been named interim national secretary of the coalition-backed ADC.
Political analysts view this development as the most significant opposition realignment since the 2023 general elections. The inclusion of former APC stalwarts like El-Rufai and Amaechi suggests the coalition aims to attract disaffected members of the ruling party alongside traditional opposition elements. The presence of military veteran Sadique Abubakar adds further intrigue to the political equation.
The media conference is expected to outline the coalition’s roadmap and potentially reveal more high-profile defections.
Recall that, the highly anticipated unveiling of the African Democratic Congress as Nigeria’s unified opposition platform was thrown into chaos on Wednesday when the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja abruptly canceled the event venue reservation just hours before the scheduled program.
The cancellation notice, shared on Instagram by media personality Dele Momodu, stated: “Dear Esteemed Patron, Thank you once again for choosing the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments.
“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to an internal compliance matter that has just come to our attention, we are unable to proceed with hosting your scheduled event.
“We are fully aware that the event is less than 24 hours away, and we deeply apologise for the timing and inconvenience this may cause.”
Momodu alleged political interference, stating: “The intimidation of the opposition by a jittery government continues. The hotel management suddenly cancelled the event due to what insiders described as fear of reprisals from APC operatives. But this will not dampen the determination of opposition forces poised to challenge the ruling party.”
Salihu Lukman of People and Passion Consult Ltd, the event organizers, condemned the action as a contract violation: “This is unacceptable. Your management has no right to unilaterally sabotage a contract that was validly and legally agreed to and fully paid for. You must meet the terms of the contract fully by allowing the event to hold with all agreed services. This is not negotiable.”
The ADC launch was meant to formally present the party as the coalition platform to challenge the APC in 2027, with attendance expected from major opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Sam Egwu.
Notably, the event also reportedly involved cross-party heavyweights like Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi – signaling the coalition’s broad-based opposition alliance.