Last week, a significant political development unfolded in Nigeria with the unveiling of a new opposition coalition under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Much like the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, the new coalition carries the weight of political gravitas, drawing in prominent figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. From Atiku Abubakar to Peter Obi, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, John Odigie-Oyegun, and several other political heavyweights, the lineup has captured national attention and signalled the formation of a force poised to challenge the APC’s hold on power in 2027.

However, the formation of this coalition, and the drama that surrounded it, exposes deep concerns about the health of democracy in Nigeria. While the emergence of the ADC-led coalition may appear to breathe new life into the opposition bloc, it has also revealed the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the current ruling party and the erosion of democratic norms in the country.

Why the ADC and Why Now?

Given the size and structure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), many Nigerians and outside observers may wonder why a new opposition coalition was deemed necessary. The simple answer lies in the internal disintegration of Nigeria’s opposition parties.

The PDP has been engulfed in internal strife since Nyesom Wike’s fallout over the 2022 presidential primaries, an issue that still haunts the party. Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) has seen its share of turbulence since Peter Obi joined the platform and contested the 2023 presidential election. Accusations have flown that the APC has exploited these cracks to destabilise the two largest opposition platforms—a charge the ruling party denies.

In light of these internal crises, the formation of a united coalition under the ADC—a party that has been around for two decades but largely flew under the radar—was a calculated political move. While distractions such as the registration of a supposed new party named All Democratic Alliance (ADA) drew media attention and may have been a tactical decoy, opposition actors were negotiating behind closed doors to transform the ADC into a formidable political vehicle.

Indeed, the surprise handover of the ADC’s leadership to an interim coalition team led by David Mark further confirms that the unveiling was neither accidental nor improvised—it was a strategic realignment to consolidate opposition efforts.

Political Sabotage and Growing Intolerance

The circumstances surrounding the coalition’s public unveiling reveal troubling signs of political intolerance. Less than 24 hours before the launch, the venue—Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja—abruptly cancelled the booking, citing “internal compliance issues.” Given the timing, many interpreted this as a politically motivated cancellation, likely orchestrated to frustrate the opposition.

This kind of interference should alarm every Nigerian. In a country where political parties should compete freely and fairly, using state power or influence to block opposition events is a dangerous precedent. Worse still, it reflects a broader pattern of intolerance that seems to have taken deeper root in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The irony here is sharp. Unlike previous administrations, many of the current APC leaders—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas—have no military background. They are career civilians. Yet, their leadership style, particularly in managing opposition dissent, often mirrors the heavy-handedness of Nigeria’s past military rulers.

Democracy thrives on competition, not coercion. Political parties are meant to win elections through superior ideas, better policies, and compelling leadership—not through suppression of dissent or backdoor manipulation of public institutions.

Strategic Decoys and Political Genius or Political Subversion?

Supporters of the ruling party may describe the developments as brilliant political strategy or chessboard mastery. But in mature democracies, such actions are called out for what they are: subversive tactics against democratic pluralism.

For instance, in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly in December 2024 for ordering military and police interference with the legislative process and judiciary. The courts upheld the impeachment, citing serious constitutional breaches. That is what happens in true democracies—leaders are held accountable when they violate the principles of fair play and public trust.

Nigeria, after 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, should be far beyond treating opposition parties as enemies of the state. Democracy is not merely about holding elections every four years—it’s about respecting civil liberties, promoting fair competition, and ensuring that power truly resides with the people.

INEC: The Electoral Body Under Scrutiny

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also come under fire since the 2023 elections. Nigerians still recall how a “glitch” conveniently affected only the presidential election results, while legislative results came through unaffected—despite being conducted simultaneously. The acceptance of mutilated result sheets, failure to provide transparent explanations, and INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s continued tenure have all deepened public mistrust.

As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, the spotlight on INEC will intensify. Can it redeem itself and conduct a free, fair, and transparent election? Or will it once again fail to meet the standards expected of a 21st-century electoral commission?

What Next for the ADC Coalition?

All eyes are now on the ADC coalition. The party, once relatively obscure, now holds the spotlight. With the presence of two former presidential candidates—Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—the central question is who will emerge as the standard-bearer in 2027. Will the coalition fracture under the weight of individual ambition, or will it rise above ego and personal interest to offer Nigerians a real alternative?

For this coalition to succeed, it must:

• Establish internal democracy, avoiding godfatherism and backroom deals.

• Build a vision-driven, issue-based platform, not just a merger of political gladiators.

• Involve youth, professionals, women, and technocrats—not just recycled elites.

• Respect transparency and ideological clarity, giving Nigerians a sense of purpose and direction.

The ADC must resist becoming another electoral convenience, only to collapse post-election. It must redefine Nigerian politics, focusing not on who gets what, but how to rebuild a broken country.

Democracy Must Work for the People

Ultimately, politics should be about service, not control. It should attract the brightest minds and the most ethical leaders, not deter them through thuggery and manipulation. When democracy is reduced to a power-grabbing game, its benefits—freedom, justice, and development—are lost.

The Nigerian people deserve to feel democracy—not just in speeches or manifestos, but in their daily lives. They deserve functioning hospitals, safe streets, decent jobs, and affordable food. They deserve to know that their votes count and that opposition voices are not silenced, but respected.

As the ADC coalition finds its footing, and as the nation looks toward 2027, Nigeria’s political class—especially the ruling APC—must remember that democracy is not about crushing opposition. It is about giving people real choices. When those choices are denied or undermined, democracy loses its soul.

The world is watching. The Nigerian people are watching. Let us hope that in the months ahead, what we see is not a return to political darkness, but a bold march toward democratic renewal.