The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), accusing both major opposition parties of failing Nigerians. In light of this perceived collapse of effective opposition, the ADC has now positioned itself as the credible alternative capable of uniting dissatisfied citizens and challenging the growing dominance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a direct and assertive message shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the ADC expressed its resolve to take up the responsibility of building a viable opposition force. According to the party, it aims to confront what it termed the “impunity and re-election plans” of the current administration.

“The PDP and Labour Party have failed as opposition political parties,” the ADC’s statement read. “That is why the ADC has stepped forward to give Nigerians hope and to stand firmly against the impunity and reelection of Bola Tinubu’s government.”

The party did not mince words as it went further to declare that any individual or political actor who refuses to support the coalition is inadvertently strengthening President Tinubu’s chances of winning a second term in office.

New Coalition Takes Shape for 2027 Elections

The ADC’s bold stance coincides with rising momentum behind a new political alliance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The coalition appears to be gaining strength, particularly after key opposition figures formally adopted the ADC as their central platform. This development marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political realignment efforts.

According to earlier reports, the new coalition has named former Senate President David Mark as its provisional national chairman and selected former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary. These appointments signal serious intent from opposition leaders to mount a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among the coalition’s top members are some of Nigeria’s most notable political heavyweights. These include former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former APC National Chairman John Oyegun.

Also featured prominently are former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and former House of Representatives Speaker and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. Additionally, respected political strategist Kashim Imam and several other senior stakeholders from across Nigeria’s diverse political spectrum have joined the alliance.

Opposition Parties Struggle Since Tinubu Took Office

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, opposition parties have encountered numerous setbacks. Internally, the PDP has remained trapped in a web of legal disputes, state-level factional conflicts, and leadership instability. Similarly, the Labour Party continues to struggle with organizational issues, financial opacity, and questions surrounding its national structure following its high-profile 2023 presidential campaign led by Peter Obi.

Observers have noted that these internal crises have weakened both parties, allowing the ruling APC to consolidate power while facing little effective resistance. This state of affairs has fueled frustrations among many Nigerians who had hoped for a more robust opposition in the face of rising economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and concerns over authoritarian tendencies.

In stark contrast, the ADC claims to represent a renewed voice in Nigerian politics. According to party leaders, the ADC seeks to unite the country’s fragmented opposition and provide disillusioned citizens with a real platform for change. They emphasized that the ADC is now working to harness public anger and transform it into a cohesive political movement that can challenge the status quo.

A Growing Base Amid Political Realignments

The ADC has continued to argue that the silence of major opposition parties in the face of Nigeria’s worsening conditions is unacceptable. The party has decried what it calls the “compromised silence” of other political actors who, in its view, have failed to speak truth to power or resist alleged excesses by the Tinubu government.

As a result, the ADC believes it stands as the most credible vehicle to lead the opposition charge into the 2027 elections. The party’s efforts to create a broad-based coalition suggest that opposition forces may be ready to set aside personal ambitions, party loyalties, and ideological differences in order to work together.

While the ADC’s sudden rise has sparked hope among some segments of the electorate, political analysts caution that major hurdles remain. Key among them is whether the coalition can build a robust national structure, mobilize grassroots support, and gain public trust in time to mount a viable campaign.

What Lies Ahead

As Nigeria moves toward the next electoral cycle, many citizens are watching closely to see how opposition forces respond to the challenges of political fragmentation, poor governance, and deepening public discontent. The ADC’s decision to step forward comes at a crucial moment, especially as political maneuverings begin to intensify ahead of 2027.

Whether the ADC can successfully unite opposition voices and rally Nigerians behind a common vision remains to be seen. However, the message is clear: the era of complacent opposition may be coming to an end, and a new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey could be underway.