By Njideka Opigo
3rd July 2025
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the political temperature is already heating up. The latest and most significant development is the formation of a powerful new opposition front, a coalition of major political figures who have come together to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This coalition could mark a turning point in Nigerian politics. But what exactly is it about? Who is involved? And what are the implications for Nigeria’s democracy?
Let’s break it down.
1. Who Are the Key Players?
This isn’t just a gathering of fringe politicians. Some of Nigeria’s most prominent political heavyweights are leading the charge:
Atiku Abubakar – Former Vice President and multiple-time presidential candidate.
Peter Obi – 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer and a popular youth-favoured figure.
Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State, known for his blunt political style.
Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other seasoned politicians have also been linked to the movement.
They represent different ideologies, backgrounds, and political parties, but share one goal: to unseat the APC and prevent what they describe as the emergence of a one-party state.
2. What Is the Coalition Trying to Do?
This alliance, recently unveiled under the banner of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), aims to, among other things:
- Form a united opposition front to prevent vote-splitting.
- Present a single, consensus presidential candidate for 2027.
- Mobilise grassroots support nationwide through town halls and state-wide convergences.
- Push back against what they call constitutional overreach by the ruling government (such as emergency declarations and suppression of dissent).
They’re calling it a rescue mission, to “save Nigeria’s democracy.”
3. Why Now?
The urgency comes from a belief that the ruling party, APC, is tightening its grip on power and weakening institutions meant to provide checks and balances. From the Rivers State emergency declaration saga to rising cost-of-living issues, discontent is brewing across regions.
With the APC already endorsing President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, opposition figures believe they must act early, and decisively.
4. Challenges Ahead
While the formation of the coalition has created buzz, there are many hurdles to overcome:
- Ego and Ambition: Can political giants like Atiku and Obi truly work together? Will anyone willingly step down for the other?
- Trust Deficit: Nigerians have seen coalitions before—some birthed out of necessity, not shared values. Will this be any different?
- APC’s Stronghold: As the ruling party, APC controls significant state machinery and grassroots networks.
Yet, despite these challenges, the coalition believes unity is the only way forward.
5. Why It Matters
This move is significant for three main reasons:
- It reawakens political competition, which is healthy for democracy.
- It may give Nigerians a genuine alternative, especially the youth who feel disillusioned by traditional politics.
- It pressures the ruling party to perform, knowing that 2027 will not be a walkover.
The last time we saw something similar was in 2015, when the opposition united to defeat then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Could history repeat itself?
Final Thoughts
Whether this coalition will stand the test of time or dissolve under the weight of ambition remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the 2027 elections will not be business as usual.
For now, all eyes are on how these political titans negotiate, organise, and mobilise. Nigeria’s future may depend on it.
What are your thoughts on this coalition? Do you think it will last? Share in the comments.
