Ahead of the 2027 general elections, hopes of a united opposition front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are fading, following the withdrawal of key political figures from a coalition due to disagreements over the presidential ticket.
METROTIMESNIGERIA reports that the alliance, initially formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, has effectively collapsed.
The coalition, which emerged in March 2025, included prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu.
Other notable members included former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. Rabiu Kwankwaso later joined the movement in March 2026 after leaving the NNPP.
However, cracks began to appear as internal leadership disputes and competition for the party’s presidential ticket intensified. Negotiations for a single consensus candidate broke down after prolonged disagreements, particularly between the camps of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
### Leadership crisis deepens
The party’s internal crisis dates back to July 2025 when its founder, Ralph Nwosu, announced the resignation of the National Working Committee, paving the way for an interim leadership led by David Mark.
The arrangement was soon challenged by Nafiu Bala, a deputy national chairman, who insisted he never resigned and should have automatically assumed leadership in line with the party’s constitution. Bala subsequently declared himself chairman and initiated legal action to challenge Mark’s leadership.
The legal battle escalated through various courts. While the Court of Appeal initially dismissed Mark’s case, the Supreme Court of Nigeria later reinstated him as chairman on April 30, 2026. However, the apex court stopped short of delivering a final ruling on the broader leadership dispute, directing parties back to the trial court.
### Battle for presidential ticket
Political analysts have identified the struggle for the ADC presidential ticket as a major factor behind the coalition’s collapse.
While Atiku Abubakar’s camp pushed strongly for the ticket, Peter Obi’s supporters insisted it should remain in the South. Allegations of financial inducement attempts further deepened mistrust within the party.
The fallout has triggered major defections. Both Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have now joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), abandoning the ADC.
Similarly, former senator Ishaku Abbo exited the party to join the Labour Party, citing the prolonged leadership crisis. Two House of Representatives members from Kano State also resigned from the ADC ahead of their planned defection to the NDC.
Insiders suggest that more defections may follow as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline approaches.
### Internal reactions
Reacting to the situation, an ADC chieftain, Shiminenge Damna, alleged that the crisis within the opposition was being influenced to weaken any united front against the ruling party.
He argued that while individual candidates may not pose a serious threat, a united opposition would have been more formidable, adding that the current divisions could once again split votes in favour of the incumbent in 2027.
According to him, the unfolding situation mirrors the 2023 elections, where a fragmented opposition contributed to the outcome, warning that a repeat scenario could play out if unity is not restored.
