…Confirms Meetings with Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, has revealed that discussions on forming a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are expected to be concluded within the next one or two weeks.
Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Nwosu confirmed that committees set up by the party had already held consultations with key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
He noted that the party had been actively engaging in grassroots mobilization and strategic discussions over the past 16 months, emphasizing the need for a “patriot’s coalition” in response to the nation’s pressing challenges.
“ADC has been at the forefront of this process, building from the ground up. The situation in the country demands either a citizen’s revolt or a coalition of patriots. We chose the path of responsible transformation,” Nwosu stated.
The ADC chairman, who also heads the party’s National Consultative Organ, explained that different arms of the coalition effort are being coordinated by key leaders within the party. According to him, Dr. Bamidele Jamilu Jade, Deputy National Chairman, is liaising with some political parties, while Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is handling engagements with other political stakeholders.
“Our committees have met with almost all major 2023 presidential aspirants and candidates, including Rotimi Amaechi. Dr. Ahmad has also held discussions with various political parties,” Nwosu revealed.
He dismissed claims that the ADC is simply being used as a political “molue” or multipurpose vehicle for ambitious politicians. “At the Arewa House summit in Kaduna, we made it clear—ADC is not a political taxi for anyone’s ambition. That’s what weakens democratic structures in Nigeria.”
On the sensitive issue of zoning the presidency within the proposed coalition, Nwosu said consultations are ongoing. He acknowledged differing opinions from youth groups and stakeholders but stressed that ADC is not driven by ethnic or regional considerations.
“I’ve heard many youth groups say it’s the South’s turn. But I’ve also listened to others who say that since 1999, the South has held power for 17 years, and the North for 11 years. If the South retains power after Tinubu, it becomes 22 to 11. We don’t encourage regional division in ADC. Our structure doesn’t include North-South designations. Our Deputy National Chairmen are assigned based on function, not geography.”
Nwosu emphasized that the party has distributed its constitutional guidelines and value-based pamphlets to leaders involved in the coalition talks to ensure alignment with the ADC’s vision of inclusive, issues-based politics.
“We are laying a foundation for a new political order—one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and opportunism. What we seek is transformation, not transaction.”
As the coalition talks enter the final phase, all eyes will be on the ADC and its partners to see if a credible third force can emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.
