12 ADC Gladiators Plotting Tinubu’s 2027 Fall: Will They Reshape Nigeria’s Political Future or Repeat the Past?
In the wake of deepening public frustration over widespread corruption, worsening economic hardship, and what many Nigerians describe as an aloof and underperforming administration, a political counterforce is gathering steam.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), once considered a fringe party, is now the rallying point for a powerful coalition of political heavyweights, technocrats, civil society voices, and disenchanted former allies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Since its relaunch on July 2, 2025, the ADC has positioned itself as a potential disruptor ahead of the 2027 elections, fielding names that carry both clout and controversy.
But will this “New Coalition” offer Nigerians a genuine alternative, or is it just old wine in a new bottle?
Here are the 12 political gladiators leading the charge against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and what they bring to the table amid a national crisis.
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku remains a central figure in Nigerian politics. With vast networks in both the PDP and APC, Atiku brings the institutional memory and deep war chest necessary for any serious presidential bid. But critics argue that his legacy is marred by unresolved corruption allegations and serial failed bids. His role in the coalition raises familiar questions: Is this about Nigeria or another last shot at power?
Peter Obi
Obi remains a beacon of hope for millions of young Nigerians still reeling from high inflation, record unemployment, and rising insecurity. While still officially in the Labour Party, his rumored alignment with the ADC could energize the base of disillusioned youths. However, the real question is: Will Obi compromise the movement’s ideals by aligning with old political operators he once criticized?
Dele Momodu
Veteran journalist and publisher Momodu brings narrative firepower. In a country where perception often trumps policy, his media savvy could shape public opinion in ADC’s favor. Still, can storytelling win where leadership and structure are needed?
Rotimi Amaechi
As a former Minister of Transportation and two-time Buhari campaign DG, Amaechi’s insider knowledge of the APC machinery is unrivaled. Yet, his own record is under scrutiny amid investigations into billions allegedly mismanaged during his tenure. Can he be the face of reform?
Aisha Yesufu
Fierce, principled, and widely respected, Yesufu’s entry gives the ADC moral credibility. She may lack political machinery, but her activism from #EndSARS to #BringBackOurGirls speaks volumes to Nigeria’s frustrated youth and women. Her challenge will be surviving the murky waters of partisan politics.
Nasir El-Rufai
The controversial ex-Governor of Kaduna is a master strategist with deep Northern connections. Yet, his tenure was dogged by sectarian violence, education policy failures, and allegations of authoritarianism. His role in the coalition seems driven more by a score-settling agenda with Tinubu than national vision.
Rauf Aregbesola
A former Tinubu ally turned opponent, Aregbesola’s political rebellion in the South-West is seen as a warning shot. His grassroots influence in Osun and Lagos is notable, but can he offer anything beyond vengeance politics?
Aminu Tambuwal
The soft-spoken former Sokoto governor is respected for bridge-building across religious and ethnic lines. His alignment adds strategic weight, especially in the North. Yet, critics point to a lackluster gubernatorial legacy and ties to the same establishment he now claims to oppose
Emeka Ihedioha
One of the few voices from the Southeast in the coalition, Ihedioha offers the ADC a foothold in a region that has long felt marginalized. His short-lived Imo governorship is still viewed positively, though his ability to rally the entire region remains to be tested.
David Mark
As interim chairman of the coalition, the ex-Senate President brings elder statesman gravitas. But his military-era ties and long silence during past national crises raise concerns. Is he a stabilizer or a symbol of recycled leaders
Babachir Lawal
Sacked in 2017 for his alleged role in the grass-cutting scandal, the former SGF now positions himself as a Christian voice from the North. While he claims redemption, many question whether he’s fighting corruption or just fighting back after being dropped by the APC.
Gabriel Suswam
A powerful figure in the Middle Belt, Suswam’s presence reinforces the coalition’s North-Central strategy. Yet, allegations of financial impropriety from his days as Benue governor linger.
The Larger Picture: Political Realignment or Opportunist Alliance?
Nigeria is at a breaking point. Inflation is at a two-decade high. Fuel and electricity tariffs continue to rise. Millions of graduates are unemployed, and insecurity festers from Zamfara to the South-East.
Yet, the question persists: Can a coalition of former APC and PDP insiders truly deliver change, or are they just offering Nigerians a new vehicle for old politics?
The ADC must convince a skeptical public that it isn’t just another “anyone but Tinubu” movement. If it fails to articulate a clear policy agenda or present a new political culture, it risks becoming the very thing it claims to challenge.
For now, what’s clear is that the 2027 election won’t be business as usual. Nigerians are watching, hurting, and waiting.
The battle lines are drawn. But is this a revolution or a recycled rerun?
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