Attention is increasingly focused on the emerging coalition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as opposition forces seek a stronger footing ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development has drawn comparisons with the alliance that led to the rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its eventual victory in 2015. However, analysts suggest that the absence of a widely accepted unifying figure without immediate presidential ambition could pose a challenge to the ADC’s prospects.

Atiku, a longstanding political figure with ties dating back to the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) era alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appears central to the coalition’s direction. His role raises a key question: will he act as a strategist supporting a consensus candidate, or take the lead as the party’s presidential flagbearer?

Recent developments, including the ADC national convention, suggest that the party’s success may depend on Atiku stepping back to rally support around a broadly acceptable candidate—an approach similar to the strategy that helped the APC consolidate power before 2015.

Until recently, the ruling APC appeared confident about its chances in 2027, aided by internal divisions within major opposition parties. Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as well as challenges within the Labour Party, contributed to this outlook.

However, Atiku’s continued political engagement following the 2023 elections has altered the landscape. Rather than retreat, he has intensified efforts to build alliances, drawing on past political experiences and strategies.

Historically, Atiku has navigated multiple political platforms in pursuit of his presidential ambitions. From his involvement with the Action Congress—later rebranded as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)—to his return to the PDP and subsequent participation in its internal contests, his political journey reflects persistent efforts to build national appeal.

After setbacks in the 2011, 2019, and 2023 presidential races, Atiku renewed calls for opposition unity, urging key figures such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join a broader coalition.

The unveiling of the ADC’s new leadership in July 2025 signaled a more coordinated opposition effort. With figures like former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Atiku himself playing prominent roles, the party began projecting a more structured and serious outlook.

Kwankwaso’s eventual alignment with the ADC further strengthened the coalition, while renewed efforts to bring Obi into the fold have raised hopes of a more unified opposition front. Observers note that combining Obi’s support base with Kwankwaso’s political structure could significantly reshape the 2027 contest.

The ADC’s recent national convention reinforced these signals, with the joint appearance of key opposition figures suggesting possible alignment. Party leaders used the platform to emphasize resilience and warn against attempts to weaken the opposition.

David Mark, the party’s national chairman, urged the ruling party to respect democratic space, while maintaining that the ADC would not be intimidated. Similarly, Aregbesola criticized the current administration’s policies, questioning their feasibility and accusing the ruling party of suppressing dissent.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi also stressed that the coalition’s success would depend on presenting a credible presidential candidate acceptable across regions, cautioning against relying on ethnic or religious considerations.

While Atiku has hinted that 2027 could mark his final presidential bid, there are growing calls within the ADC for him to adopt a kingmaker role—supporting a consensus candidate in line with the strategy that helped the APC secure power in 2015.