Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appears poised to leave the party in a bold step towards forming a united opposition front ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. As momentum builds, the anti-Tinubu coalition has resolved to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform, setting the stage for a major realignment in the country’s political landscape.
Major Opposition Leaders Embrace ADC, David Mark to Lead
The coalition, comprising heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, alongside Obi, has reportedly agreed to rally behind the ADC to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Multiple insider sources confirm that David Mark has accepted to serve as Interim National Chairman of the restructured ADC, a move seen as giving the coalition a respected figure to anchor its leadership.
The ADC’s current national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has openly endorsed Mark’s emergence. In a recent statement, he described Mark as “one of the most disciplined and detribalised Nigerians,” and signaled his willingness to step aside to enable the new leadership structure. “I am ready to sacrifice my position for Nigeria. Our democracy is under threat, and it’s time to move forward,” Nwosu said.
Aregbesola, Ben Obi Reject Key Secretary Role
Despite these advances, the coalition is still grappling with filling the National Secretary position. Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola reportedly turned down the offer, citing age and advice from his family to slow down politically. Likewise, Senator Ben Obi declined the nomination. Coalition insiders say discussions are ongoing, with hopes to reach a consensus before an official unveiling.
A top source disclosed, “We have agreed on the ADC as our coalition platform and on David Mark as interim chairman. Filling the National Secretary slot is the only major task left.”
Why Obi May Abandon Labour Party
As coalition talks intensify, Peter Obi is signaling readiness to quit the Labour Party to pursue the broader mission of “rescuing Nigeria.” Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, confirmed that Obi was prepared to take “any necessary step,” including switching platforms, to ensure the success of this national project.
Tanko also hinted at an imminent announcement: “Peter Obi is consulting key supporters, including governors and lawmakers. The media will be invited soon for a significant briefing.”
United Front to Challenge Tinubu in 2027
The coalition first revealed its intent on March 20 at a high-level meeting in Abuja. Since then, political analysts and citizens alike have speculated on which party would house the alliance. Initial suggestions of adopting the SDP were dropped due to concerns over APC loyalists dominating its structure, steering the coalition firmly toward the ADC.
One insider explained, “With INEC reluctant to register new parties, we needed an existing, neutral platform. That’s why we settled on the ADC. Now, loyalists of Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Amaechi are already integrating into the ADC in states across the country.”
Grand Unveiling Expected This Week
According to sources close to the negotiations, coalition leaders will meet in Abuja on Wednesday to finalize outstanding issues. A formal announcement is expected before the end of the week, after which key players will officially renounce their current party affiliations to join forces under the ADC banner.
“In some states like Anambra, we already have LP and PDP leaders contesting under the ADC. Even in the FCT, most ADC candidates are former PDP, LP, or APC members,” Nwosu revealed, highlighting how the coalition’s groundwork is already reshaping local politics.
What This Means for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
With the coalition set to formally declare its new political vehicle and leadership structure within days, Nigeria could be heading toward its most formidable opposition challenge to the APC yet. By consolidating heavyweights from across major parties under the ADC, the alliance aims to present a unified front to tackle economic hardship, insecurity, and what they describe as the failures of the Tinubu administration.
As the nation watches closely, all eyes are now on Peter Obi and his next move, which could redefine the 2027 electoral battle.
