Several high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Liyel Imoke, are aligning behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the emerging platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Founded in 2005 by Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, the ADC has remained relatively low-profile until now. Initially known as the Alliance for Democratic Change, it rebranded and was formally registered as the African Democratic Congress in 200.
Its profile rose in 2018 when the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) a political group with ties to former President Olusegun Obasanjo merged into the party.
According to CNM, their goal for adopting the ADC platform was, “To work with others for bringing about desirable change in Nigeria’s polity and governance.” That vision appears to be materialising with this new wave of political cooperation.
The ADC is being touted by political analysts as the most viable platform for the anti-Tinubu coalition due to its grassroots strength and operational stability.
One analyst noted, “It has a well-organised grassroots framework and leadership structure down to the polling unit level. This robust structure is expected to provide a solid foundation for the coalition’s electoral success if adopted.”
Observers argue that ADC’s consistent ideological branding, including its “transformation DNA” and Afro-centric values, are aligned with the coalition’s stated goals of rebuilding Nigeria’s governance framework and national priorities.
The party’s symbol two hands in a handshake is also widely regarded as symbolic of its inclusive political philosophy and commitment to cross-regional collaboration.
Significantly, National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu has confirmed he will step down to accommodate incoming coalition partners. He declared, “The ADC is about transformation, and oneness in all ramifications.”
Backing this internal restructuring, Deputy National Secretary Nkem Ukandu confirmed that the party has opened its doors formally.
He said:“We are open to collaboration with all progressive minded Nigerians, and we have demonstrated this by amending our Constitution to accommodate partners who are equally passionate about national development.”
Insiders within the coalition cite practical reasons for adopting an existing party over forming a new one. A senior figure in the coalition, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed: “Truth be told, the ADC is a party that is yet to be infiltrated by the ruling APC.
“The party has taken genuine steps to accommodate coalition partners.
“The National Chairman is willingly stepping down and preparing to open up the leadership structure to accommodate other partners.”
The source added: “As you must be aware by now, the party has amended its Constitution to allow new members pursue their political aspirations without the usual bottlenecks other parties put in place to lock people out.”
He further stressed the urgency of using a viable platform due to INEC constraints: “We are also aware that the ruling party is not likely to give INEC the required free hand to register a new party to challenge it. It is easier to adopt an existing platform that is not encumbered to save time and make progress.”
