2027: Atiku, Obi Allies, Buhari’s Ex-Ministers, and APC Veterans Take Over ADC Structure

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent political figures, including allies of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, as well as former ministers from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and ex-members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC), have taken over the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The formal declaration took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, with several former APC chieftains in attendance. During the event, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, ADC’s National Chairman for over two decades, handed over the reins of the party, marking the culmination of an 18-month coalition-building process.

Nwosu explained the motive behind the alliance: “This is not just about grabbing power; it’s about transforming Nigeria. We’ve been on this journey for 18 months. It’s time to move Nigeria from the ICU to global relevance.”

Also present was Alhaji Sa’eed Baba Abdullahi, ADC’s National Secretary, who alongside Nwosu formally handed over party membership cards to Senator David Mark, who was announced as the new Interim National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun State Governor and former Minister of Interior, who is now the Interim National Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, David Mark criticized President Bola Tinubu, describing his “Renewed Hope” agenda as “Renewed Hopelessness.”

“Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ has become ‘Renewed Hopelessness.’ He is fiddling while the country burns.”

Mark also decried the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning of a shift toward a one-party system. “This coalition is to stop Nigeria’s descent into a one-party dictatorship. The National Assembly has become a body of praise singers to the president. We are here to rescue our country.”

One of the coalition leaders claimed growing support from APC governors, particularly in Northern Nigeria. “If I told you the number of APC governors in the North who are talking to us, you would be shocked. So, there is no issue about us having support from across Nigeria. It is a straight fight between the North and the South. No governor is going to defect to the APC in the North”, he stated.

However, the takeover was not without opposition. Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticized the event and questioned Nwosu’s authority to hand over the party structure. “Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself landlord? This is political drama—more like a dramedy.”

Some of those at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party LP, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba Ahmed; former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. Babachir Lawal;

Some former APC NWC members who were there included the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former spokesman of the APC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi; former Caretaker National Secretary of APC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe; and, former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman.

The roll call also included four ministers in the Muhammadu Buhari administration – Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Rauf Aregbesola (Interior); Ibrahim Malami SAN (Attorney General and Minister of Justice); and, Barr. Solomon Dalung (Sports).

Others were former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Uche Secondus; former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa state, Jubrilla Bindow; former Imo state Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman; Senator Dino Melaye; Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Ireti Kingibe; and activist, Aisha Yesufu.

The list also included former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; Senator Lee Maeba; former Inspector General of Police IGP MD Abubakar; former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan; Ovation publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; former Presidential adviser, Kashim Imam; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe; Dr Mani Ibrahim; Ms Lauretta Onochie; ex-Rivers Governor, Celestine Omehia; Maryam Inna Ciroma; Senator Aishatu Binani; former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada; former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; and, Senator Victor Umeh.

The coalition signals the formation of a political alternative ahead of 2027, as key actors from across party lines converge under the ADC banner to challenge the ruling APC’s dominance.

 – VANGUARD + Others