2027: ADC calls for fresh opposition coalition against APC

By Lawrence Agbo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to revive coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that continued divisions among opposition leaders could hand the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) another electoral victory.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, ADC chieftain Austin Okai said the coalition that adopted the party was created to unite major opposition figures and build a formidable platform capable of challenging the APC.

According to him, the ruling party has continued to benefit from the opposition’s inability to work together.

“I blame the leadership of the opposition because the APC is doing what it is doing because there is a lack of unity among the opposition leaders,” Okai said.

He argued that the coalition model which helped the APC defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 should serve as a template for opposition parties seeking to unseat the current administration in 2027.

Okai urged the leadership of the ADC, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and other opposition parties to return to the negotiating table and resolve their differences.

“We can’t continue this way. We must allow what is called due process in our democratic practices,” he stated.

On recent disagreements within the ADC over the appointment of Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson for the party’s presidential campaign, Okai dismissed suggestions of a crisis, describing the issue as minor and already resolved through internal dialogue.

He also said the party’s vice-presidential candidate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, remains fully committed to the campaign and is actively participating in strategic meetings ahead of the election.

Addressing the debate over zoning, Okai maintained that the opposition’s immediate priority should be winning power rather than sharing positions.

“You zone power when you have power. We’re looking for a strategy to win the election. Let us get the presidency first,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the ADC’s prospects, Okai argued that worsening economic conditions and widespread public dissatisfaction with the current administration would strengthen the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.