The African Democratic Congress has set its sights on challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in traditional strongholds across Nigeria, with party leaders expressing confidence about their prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared that the opposition coalition led by the ADC will successfully wrestle power from the APC, vowing that Nigeria will not be allowed to become a one-party state under the current administration.
Speaking through his representative, Prof Bayode Fakunle, during the unveiling and inauguration of the Ekiti State ADC Executive Council in Ado Ekiti over the weekend, Atiku boasted that rival political parties have become nervous within just three weeks of the coalition’s formation.
“ADC was launched just about three weeks ago, and within two weeks, it has become the most dominant party in the country, and all other parties are already jittery,” Atiku stated confidently.
The former presidential candidate emphasized the party’s inclusive approach, describing ADC as “for all Nigerians” and promising to transform the nation’s political landscape. “It is a party that will change the political landscape of this country, and everyone is welcomed with open hands and by the grace of God, this party will take over the leadership of this country come 2027,” he added.
However, the ADC’s growing influence has sparked internal discussions about presidential endorsements. The Imo State Chapter of the party has moved to clarify its position regarding support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, dismissing media reports suggesting an official endorsement.
Kingsley Onochie, Publicity Secretary of the Imo ADC, issued a statement in Owerri clarifying that the party would only support the presidential aspirant who emerges victorious from the party’s primary elections.
“Once a candidate emerges at the primaries, he would enjoy our support,” Onochie stated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to democratic processes. He criticized media houses for prematurely reporting that Imo ADC was supporting Obi, calling such reports improper and premature.
Onochie assured Nigerians that the party leadership is working diligently to ensure rancour-free presidential primaries, positioning the ADC as a democratic alternative to existing political structures.
The party appears to be gaining traction across different states, with the Imo chapter reporting significant membership growth. Under the leadership of James Okoroma, the state chapter claims that members from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party, and APC have been joining ADC “in droves.”
This cross-party migration suggests growing dissatisfaction with existing political options and potential vulnerability in what were previously considered safe seats for established parties. Onochie assured Imo State residents that the ADC would “usher in a new lease of life” for the state.
The ADC, which was inaugurated just weeks ago, has attracted several notable political figures and positioned itself as the primary vehicle for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The party has explicitly vowed to unseat President Tinubu, setting up what promises to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
