The unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for Nigeria’s new mega-opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections attracted the presence of several high-profile politicians, including serving senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
The event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was a strategic gathering of political stakeholders seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election. Notably, two current senators were present, signaling a shift in alignment within the opposition landscape.
Serving senators present at the event:
- Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP – Sokoto South): A former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor of Sokoto State, Tambuwal is currently serving in the Senate. His presence at the coalition launch was seen as a bold step, reinforcing speculations about his broader national political ambitions and his support for a unified opposition front.
- Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe (LP – Federal Capital Territory): The only female senator from the Labour Party, Kingibe’s attendance at the unveiling underscored the party’s tacit involvement in the growing opposition alliance. A strong supporter of good governance and reforms, her participation hints at Labour’s potential role in the evolving coalition politics.
Other key figures in attendance:
While Tambuwal and Kingibe are currently serving senators, several former senators and political heavyweights also graced the occasion, including:
Gabriel Suswam, former PDP senator from Benue State.
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former senator and 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
David Mark, former Senate President, who was unveiled as the interim National Chairman of the coalition.
Rauf Aregbesola, former APC chieftain and ex-Minister of Interior, now serving as the interim National Secretary of the coalition.
The coalition, which is adopting the ADC as its official political platform, aims to present a united front comprising leaders from various opposition parties, including PDP, LP, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and some disgruntled elements from the APC.
The gathering marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political reconfiguration, with the opposition attempting to consolidate power early enough to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027.
Observers believe that the involvement of serving lawmakers gives the coalition more legitimacy and momentum, with some analysts projecting that more defections and political alignments could follow in the coming months.
