Bolaji Abdullahi Explains Why 2027 Opposition Coalition Adopted ADC as Political Platform

Bolaji Abdullahi, a former Minister of Sports and current spokesperson of the newly formed opposition coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, has shed light on the coalition’s decision to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Abdullahi explained that the choice of the ADC was a strategic move shaped by a desire for reform, unity, and ideological realignment.

Abdullahi noted that the coalition spent months scrutinizing different political parties in search of one that could accommodate its agenda. While multiple platforms were considered, the ADC stood out for being open to restructuring and aligning with the coalition’s shared principles and future direction.

“We had a checklist — a set of conditions — and when we reviewed existing parties, none matched our criteria as closely as the ADC,” Abdullahi said.

He emphasized that the coalition was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past, referencing internal dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s major political parties. Those from the All Progressives Congress (APC) felt that the party’s original founding ideals had been eroded. Similarly, former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believed the party had lost its former strength and focus, while Labour Party members expressed disappointment with how their interests had been handled.

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“The ADC Is Malleable, and That’s a Strength”

Abdullahi compared the ADC to clay — a material that may seem weak but is valuable because it can be moulded into something strong and purposeful. This malleability, he said, made the ADC the most viable option for a coalition built on shared reformist ideals.

“If you say the ADC is weak like clay, it’s because it can be shaped. That’s precisely what we wanted — a platform we could restructure,” he remarked.

The former minister reiterated that the coalition’s objective goes beyond providing a vehicle for political ambitions. It aims to challenge the current political culture and give Nigerians a credible, people-focused alternative.

“This Is Nobody’s Coalition”

Abdullahi took time to dismiss speculations that the coalition was secretly fronting for prominent political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to him, the coalition was not formed to elevate any single individual but to offer a collective solution to Nigeria’s worsening political climate.

“This is nobody’s coalition. David Mark will be sitting in this coalition—not as a front for Atiku or anyone else. He’s here because everyone trusts his leadership,” he said.

David Mark, the former Senate President, was announced as the interim national chairman of the coalition earlier on Wednesday. Abdullahi stated that Mark’s selection was driven by the need for a unifying figure who commands universal respect within the coalition. He stressed that past political models centered around a few powerful individuals had consistently failed to deliver results.

“We’ve seen what happens when political parties revolve around big men. We want a structure that’s people-driven, not personality-driven,” he added.

Coalition Has Been in the Works for 18 Months

Responding to critics who questioned the coalition’s legitimacy and timing, Abdullahi disclosed that the formation of the movement had been ongoing for over 18 months. According to him, it was not a sudden decision but a carefully planned strategy that involved extensive dialogue and planning among like-minded political actors.

“People now coming out to criticize us have been nowhere for months. We were building this movement while they were absent,” he said.

He expressed disappointment at some of the backlash the coalition has received, especially from individuals he described as emerging from “dark corners” now that the coalition has gained public attention.

Towards 2027: Opposition Sets Reformist Tone

With the unveiling of the ADC as the new political home for the opposition coalition, the stage appears set for a fresh round of political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. The coalition promises to bring a new form of politics — one that rejects the elitist tendencies of the past and focuses on principles, people, and pragmatic reforms.

While challenges are sure to come, especially in gaining widespread support and mobilizing grassroots structures, the coalition’s early messaging has been clear: it intends to reshape Nigeria’s political narrative by offering an alternative grounded in transparency, inclusiveness, and transformation.

Whether the ADC, under this coalition, will become a formidable force in 2027 remains to be seen. But for now, its adoption signals the beginning of what could be a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.