Coalition Leaders Hold Strategic Closed-Door Meeting in Abuja
The closed-door meeting took place at the newly unveiled National Headquarters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Wuse area of Abuja. This gathering represents the latest in a series of high-level consultations among Nigeria’s opposition leaders as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The meeting brought together some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures:
- Senator David Mark – Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman
- Mallam Nasir El-Rufai – Former Kaduna State Governor
- Rotimi Amaechi – Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation
- Babachir Lawal – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- Dr. Ralph Nwosu – Former National Chairman of the ADC
- Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi – National Publicity Secretary of the party
According to sources, the closed-door discussions focused on two critical areas:
- National Security Crisis: Addressing the prevailing insecurity situation across Nigeria
- 2027 Electoral Strategy: Finalizing preparations and strategic planning for the upcoming general elections
This meeting is part of a broader opposition movement that has been taking shape throughout 2025:
The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its political platform on July 2, 2025, to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027. The coalition represents a convergence of political heavyweights from multiple parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Beyond those at this specific meeting, the broader coalition includes:
- Atiku Abubakar – Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate
- Peter Obi – 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate
- Rauf Aregbesola – Former Osun State Governor and ADC interim national secretary
- Senator Dino Melaye
- Solomon Dalung – Former Youth Minister
- Dele Momodu – Publisher and PDP chieftain
- Senator Gabriel Suswam
- Senator Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party)
- Emeka Ihedioha – Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
- Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.) – Former Chief of Air Staff
- Aminu Tambuwal – Former Sokoto Governor
Speaking at the unveiling of the ADC National Secretariat, David Mark articulated the coalition’s broader purpose, describing it as more than just a political power grab. He stated the coalition aims to rescue Nigeria and prevent the country’s descent into a one-party state, warning about what he described as attempts to infiltrate and destabilize opposition parties.
Just recently, the ADC commissioned its new national secretariat in Wuse 2, Abuja, marking a significant milestone for the opposition movement. The ultramodern facility signals the coalition’s readiness for serious political engagement. Rotimi Amaechi announced his resignation from the APC, stating that Nigeria was “completely destroyed” and required total overhaul. He described leaving the APC as necessary because the economic conditions had deteriorated dramatically under the current administration. The coalition has faced some internal resistance. The Youth Wing of the ADC rejected the coalition leadership, with spokesman Musa Matara describing the leaders as “old people who spoiled Nigeria in the past”.
The coalition positions itself as:
- A “rescue mission” rather than just a political contest
- A movement to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy
- A formidable third force to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- A united front to prevent total state capture At a September meeting, the coalition agreed that:
- All presidential aspirants would support whoever emerges from the primaries
- Members must resign from other political parties and commit fully to the ADC
- The proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) registration efforts would be suspended
The coalition faces the challenge of uniting diverse political interests and personalities, many of whom may have presidential ambitions. The movement represents a significant consolidation of opposition forces ahead of what promises to be a highly contested 2027 election, with the coalition positioning itself as the primary alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s APC government.
