The 2027 presidential election is already heating up as 12 heavyweight politicians rally behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bold move to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Since the official realignment on July 2, 2025, the ADC has experienced a surge in popularity, as former governors, ex-ministers, top lawmakers, and political strategists throw their weight behind the opposition movement.
With talks of a strong third force growing louder, Nigerians are closely watching what each of these political gladiators contributes to this emerging coalition. Here’s a breakdown of the 12 most influential political actors and how their involvement could transform the ADC into a true presidential contender.
1. Atiku Abubakar — The Political Pillar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the bedrock of the ADC’s presidential ambition. Having contested for the presidency six times, Atiku brings decades of political experience, expansive grassroots networks, and deep ties across both the PDP and APC. His influence, especially in Northern Nigeria, could give ADC the numbers needed in the country’s most voter-rich region.
2. Peter Obi — The Youth Magnet
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, remains a symbol of hope for millions of young Nigerians. With a loyal digital army known as the Obidients, Obi’s possible move to the ADC could inject a wave of energy, youth support, and online momentum into the party, even without traditional political structures.
3. Dele Momodu — The Narrative Architect
Veteran journalist and publisher Dele Momodu is the voice behind many strategic political campaigns. Though not a vote-deliverer, his media savvy, narrative control, and wide press influence make him a vital weapon in shaping ADC’s public image and campaign messaging.
4. Rotimi Amaechi — The Insider Strategist
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, brings insider knowledge of the APC’s electoral machinery. Twice the Director-General of Buhari’s successful campaigns, Amaechi offers regional influence in the South-South and strong campaign planning expertise.
5. Aisha Yesufu — The Movement Leader
Activist and #EndSARS icon Aisha Yesufu boasts a fierce voice, especially among civil society groups, women, and disillusioned youth. Although lacking formal political structures, her bold activism lends the ADC grassroots moral capital and appeal to voters seeking change.
6. Nasir El-Rufai — The Political Technocrat
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai adds intellectual firepower and Northern leverage to the ADC. Known for his behind-the-scenes negotiations and strategic thinking, his role could help the ADC break into North-West territories dominated by the APC.
7. Rauf Aregbesola — The Grassroots Engine
Ex-Minister and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, brings deep grassroots mobilization, especially in Lagos and Osun. Once a loyal Tinubu ally, his defection sends a powerful signal of rebellion within the APC’s South-West stronghold.
8. Aminu Tambuwal — The Bridge Builder
Former Sokoto Governor and ex-Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, is known for building coalitions across party lines. With national influence and elite connections, Tambuwal strengthens ADC’s hold in Northern Nigeria and reinforces its appeal as a unifying platform.
9. Emeka Ihedioha — The South-East Stabilizer
Former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha helps ADC balance its regional influence. His involvement could reassure the South-East that the coalition values power-sharing, potentially calming historic feelings of marginalization.
10. David Mark — The Elder Statesman
Former Senate President and retired general David Mark lends stability, experience, and Middle Belt influence to the ADC. Appointed interim chairman of the coalition, Mark offers conflict resolution, security insight, and organizational maturity.
11. Babachir Lawal — The Northern Christian Voice
Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, is a key figure in Northern Nigeria’s Christian communities. Once an APC loyalist, his defection provides the ADC access to critical votes in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Adamawa.
12. Gabriel Suswam — The Middle Belt Mobilizer
Former Governor of Benue State and ex-lawmaker, Gabriel Suswam, holds significant influence in the North-Central, a major swing zone. His ties with David Mark and Lawal could be pivotal in winning over undecided voters in the region.
Honourable Mentions
John Odigie-Oyegun — Founding APC Rebel
A respected elder and first national chairman of the APC, Oyegun’s quiet alignment with ADC adds credibility and historical weight to the coalition’s claim of legitimacy.
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Dino Melaye — The Crowd-Puller
Controversial yet effective, Dino Melaye is the ADC’s possible hype machine, known for energetic rallies, populist slogans, and social media reach. Expect him to fire up the base when it’s time.
Conclusion: Is ADC the Real Deal in 2027?
The emergence of these 12 political giants under the ADC umbrella signals a clear message: Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid won’t be a walkover. With Atiku’s experience, Obi’s youth base, Amaechi’s strategy, and Yesufu’s activism, the ADC might just have the perfect blend of old and new Nigeria.
As the months roll on, all eyes will be on how this coalition translates power into performance — and whether this third force can indeed break the two-party dominance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
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