Isaac Samuel
In a well calculated political revolt, high-ranking figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) have closed ranks ahead of the 2027 elections, forming a grand opposition coalition to confront President Bola Tinubu’s government, which they described as a catastrophic failure pushing Nigeria into the intensive care unit.
Led by former Senate President David Mark, the coalition which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform brings together some of the most powerful voices from Nigeria’s major political blocs, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Former Kaduna governor, El-Rufai, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha, and several former lawmakers and governors were in attendance.
Speaking at the formal unveiling of the coalition in Abuja on Wednesday, Mark declared the mission a rescue operation to save Nigeria from what he called APC’s descent into authoritarianism, economic collapse, and nationwide insecurity.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of hijacking democratic institutions, silencing dissent, and replacing governance with political patronage.
This coalition is not merely about gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the pillars of our democracy and prevent Nigeria’s descent into a one-party state,” he declared.
Mark accused the ruling APC hijacking democratic institutions and fostering what he described as a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship, leaving Nigerians with no credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mark described the ADC as a “fortress of democratic revival,” pledging to transform it into a platform rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and the rule of law.
“Here, the North shall hold hands with the South, the youth shall find equal footing with the elders, women will be equal partners with men, and the farmer and the technocrat shall labour side by side—not for the triumph of one party over another, but for the triumph of Nigeria herself,” he said.
He also took aim at the APC-led government, criticising its approach to national security, economic hardship, and corruption. He accused the ruling party of deliberately destabilising and infiltrating opposition platforms to deny Nigerians viable options in 2027.
“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications. A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
The former senate president called on all Nigerians, particularly young people, women, and victims of insecurity, to rally behind the ADC as part of a historic rescue mission aimed at reclaiming the soul of the nation.
“This coalition is for all Nigerians who believe that our democracy is worth fighting for. It is for youths who face an uncertain future, for families who live in fear of violence, and for all citizens who deserve better,” he said.
The coalition launch coincided with a series of high-profile defections from the APC. Former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi both announced their exit from the ruling party.
“Malami said his defection to the ADC was not driven by personal ambition or anger, but by “love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing daily.”
“Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives while the government prioritises politics over the safety of its citizens,” he said.
He also cited Nigeria’s economic challenges as part of his reasons for defection, saying, “Prices of basic food items have tripled.”
“The poor can no longer feed their families. Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless,” he added.
Malami also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of abandoning governance, saying his government replaces merit with political patronage in critical appointment.
Amaechi, who served as transportation minister under former President Muhammadu Buhariinner circle, did not mince words either.
On his views about President Tinubu’s administration, Amaechi stated, “I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country… People want Buhari to come back.”
Comparing current economic conditions to those under former President Muhammadu Buhari, he said the naira has fallen drastically.
“Dollar was I think N460 or five hundred and something, now a dollar is N1,580. That is more than 100 per cent,” he said.
Founding chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, handed over party leadership to Mark and Aregbesola, who now serve as chairman and secretary of the interim coalition.
Nwosu described the move as a “strategic resignation to make room for national rescue.”
He warned party members against internal sabotage and declared that dissenters would be treated as enemies of the rescue mission.
The event was nearly scuttled after the original venue, Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, cancelled a fully paid booking hours before the programme.
The hotel cited internal compliance issues.
Media personality and opposition figure Dele Momodu posted a screenshot of the hotel’s cancellation message on social media, calling it “an early sign of what this coalition is up against.”
Still, the coalition pushed on, relocating to the Yar’Adua Centre, where they declared the movement unstoppable.
