Coalition Urges Obi, El-Rufai, Tambuwal to Quit Parties, Align with ADC
A coalition of opposition politicians on Thursday asked former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); and former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to resign from their current parties and fully identify with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The call was made during a strategic meeting of the coalition in Abuja, where participants reviewed their progress and future political direction.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced that the coalition had reached a unanimous decision to end all ties with the African Democratic Alliance (ADA), which was earlier floated as a possible umbrella platform.
According to Abdullahi, “The Coalition has rested everything concerning the ADA. That means they are not interested in the registration or otherwise of the association.”
Push for Unity
The coalition’s directive signals a renewed push to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented opposition under a single, viable political platform. Political observers note that the move to rally high-profile figures like Obi, El-Rufai, and Tambuwal into the ADC could significantly boost the party’s visibility and strengthen its electoral chances.
Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election, still commands a large youth-driven support base. El-Rufai, on his part, is regarded as an influential political strategist with strong connections across the North. Tambuwal, a two-term governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is widely respected within PDP circles and beyond.
Implications for 2027
Analysts believe that if these three heavyweights embrace the ADC fully, the party could emerge as a formidable alternative to both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition’s decision to abandon ADA also indicates a pragmatic shift, focusing on strengthening an already existing and registered political platform rather than pursuing the uncertain route of registering a new one.
For now, neither Obi, El-Rufai, nor Tambuwal has publicly responded to the coalition’s call. However, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether they will heed the appeal and reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
