2027 Power Battle Intensifies as APC Declares Opposition Coalition “Dead on Arrival”

Abuja, Nigeria – As Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race begins to take shape, tensions are rising between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a growing coalition of opposition leaders rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The opposition alliance—comprising top political figures like Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Sule Lamido, and Peter Obi—aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu, whose administration continues to face criticism over Nigeria’s economic and security woes.

But in swift retaliation, the APC dismissed the emerging coalition, calling it “dead on arrival.” In a statement on Tuesday, APC spokesman Bala Ibrahim said the opposition’s regrouping effort lacks coherence and public trust. He asserted that President Tinubu would comfortably secure re-election in 2027.

Opposition Titans Unite Under ADC To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

ADC Emerges as Unifying Platform for Disenchanted Opposition

The coalition movement, whose latest strategy meeting took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, confirmed it had adopted the African Democratic Congress as its political platform. This development, previously reported by The PUNCH, marks a strategic pivot for opposition leaders frustrated by internal divisions within the major opposition parties—particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

According to insiders, former Senate President David Mark will serve as the interim national chairman of the ADC, while the official unveiling of the new-look party is scheduled imminently. Notably, the coalition includes influential figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, and several former governors, ministers, and party leaders from the PDP.

Their joint communiqué described the APC as a “disaster” and condemned the Tinubu-led administration’s handling of national affairs. “The APC government, which came into being on false and evil propaganda to save Nigeria from PDP, is now a disaster to our nation and therefore must be voted out of power,” it read.

Fractured PDP Finds New Hope in Coalition

The communiqué, signed by David Mark, extended a rallying cry to all PDP members and “patriotic Nigerians” to support the emerging coalition. It emphasized the coalition’s focus on restoring national unity, economic stability, security, and stamping out institutional corruption.

However, it also acknowledged the fractured state of the PDP since the 2023 election defeat and the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman. Party stalwarts expressed frustration over what they describe as leadership failure and internal chaos that has weakened the PDP’s ability to play its opposition role effectively.

“The PDP, which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self,” the communiqué lamented. It added that many PDP-elected officials had either defected or disengaged from the party under pressure from the APC administration.

Multiple PDP leaders have reportedly agreed to support the ADC’s presidential candidate in 2027 while retaining their membership in the PDP. “What this means is that some of us will remain in the PDP while working for the victory of the ADC presidential candidate,” a source told The PUNCH.

APC Downplays Threat, Highlights Gains

In response to the opposition alliance, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition as a political stunt lacking in sincerity and strategy. He said the ability of opposition figures to meet freely at night and organize within hotel venues is, ironically, a testament to the APC government’s progress in stabilizing the nation.

“The fact that they are meeting in hotels or places at night without any fear means the APC government has improved the security situation of the country,” Ibrahim said. “The atmosphere provided by the APC administration for the freedom of association peacefully is a pointer to the improvement.”

He further argued that the coalition’s motivations are driven by personal ambition rather than public interest, branding the effort “a waste of time.”

“The government will continue to provide a favourable atmosphere for them to meet and discuss freely without any harassment, but they are not likely to give any fear or scare to the APC,” he declared. “Is it dead on arrival? Yes. It’s dead on arrival.”

What Lies Ahead?

While the coalition continues to gain momentum, serious questions remain about its cohesion, long-term viability, and the ability to rally a diverse voter base. Many analysts point out that similar alliances in the past have failed due to competing egos, ideological differences, and lack of grassroots engagement.

However, with worsening economic conditions, widespread insecurity, and disillusionment among Nigerian youth, the coalition may still pose a significant challenge—especially if it manages to consolidate popular support beyond party structures.

Whether President Tinubu’s APC can maintain its grip on power or whether this newly energized opposition movement can deliver on its ambitions will depend largely on political discipline, electoral strategy, and how well either side can resonate with everyday Nigerians.

For now, the stage is set for one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable and high-stakes electoral showdowns.