The opposition coalition demands full membership in ADC, ordering leaders to resign from their current parties and formally join the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. Although no timeline was given, the directive signals a new intensity in Nigeria’s political realignment.

ADC as the Chosen Opposition Platform

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) was unveiled as the coalition platform on July 2, 2025, intended to unite key opposition voices under a single banner. Since then, while some figures—like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—have left their former parties, they have not formally joined ADC. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, likewise remains in his party despite his alignment with the opposition coalition.

In a caucus meeting in Abuja, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced that all coalition members should resign from their existing parties and fully commit to ADC. He clarified that the caucus “was silent on the timeline” for this transition. He also said that internal issues involving the African Democratic Association (ADA) had been settled, signaling a consolidation of strategy.

Reactions from APC, PDP & Other Parties

The ruling APC promptly dismissed the directive, saying it poses no real threat. APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, remarked that defections are routine in Nigeria’s political environment, and that APC continues to grow in strength.

PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, welcomed the move as a clarifying moment for Nigerians. He said it provides a chance to distinguish true party membership and to strengthen internal party consistency.

Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also downplayed the directive. Its Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, stated the party was not overly concerned about losing members, likening party membership shifts to the “transfer window” in football.

Challenges Within the Coalition & Legal Hurdles

Even as the coalition issues a firm directive, cracks and conflicts have begun to emerge. Legal suits have challenged interim leadership structures of ADC, citing constitutional and procedural irregularities. Infighting, internal rifts, and court battles have threatened the opposition’s momentum and coherence.

Additionally, some by-election setbacks have prompted predictions of a potential collapse of the coalition unless it stabilizes its foundations.