Politics
ADC’s Entry May Smooth Tinubu’s Path in 2027 Presidential Race l By Adeniyi Olowofela
The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria was a tense three-horse race involving the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP). However, developments ahead of the 2027 presidential contest suggest a potential four-party showdown, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joining the fray — a move that may inadvertently favour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
As it stands, President Tinubu is expected to contest under the APC platform. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who flew the PDP flag in 2023, is now being touted as the likely presidential candidate of the ADC. This emerging shift has left political watchers speculating that Atiku’s exit could further weaken the PDP and help consolidate the APC’s electoral strength.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s most formidable political force, appears fragmented. The perceived defection of Atiku Abubakar and the growing uncertainty around the political direction of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have left the party in a state of internal disarray. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, known for defying political odds, is reportedly eyeing the PDP presidential ticket — a move that could trigger fresh tensions within the already balkanised party.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party remains firmly in the hands of former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. The movement that emerged around his 2023 candidacy, popularly known as the “Obidients”, remains fiercely loyal and ideologically opposed to both the APC and PDP. However, any decision by Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot could alienate his support base, potentially leading to a defection of his loyalists to other platforms.
Observers believe the entry of the African Democratic Congress, with Atiku Abubakar as its likely flagbearer, has reshaped the political terrain — not necessarily by strengthening opposition forces, but by further splintering them. With the PDP still grappling with identity and unity issues, and Labour Party standing alone with its distinct youthful demographic, the APC may have less to worry about in terms of a formidable opposition bloc.
Beneath the surface, the All Progressives Congress is reinforcing its grassroots presence in strategic states. Recent realignments in Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers states point to quiet but effective groundwork being laid by the party. The APC is building an electoral fortress across the country in anticipation of 2027.
With a reputation as a master strategist and a maverick in political maneuvering, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considered a formidable force in Nigerian politics. Political strategists believe that none of the current contenders — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, or Governor Seyi Makinde — pose a consolidated threat unless opposition parties forge a united front.
It is also worth noting that all three challengers — Atiku, Obi, and Makinde — share a common political ancestry in the PDP, which once held Nigeria’s presidency for 16 years. Today, the party appears to be haemorrhaging influence, credibility, and top-tier candidates.
In a political class where most actors are poor losers, the increasing splintering of opposition platforms is viewed by some as a self-inflicted wound — one that could simplify the re-election campaign for President Tinubu.
With the African Democratic Congress offering Atiku Abubakar a new platform, and the Labour Party retaining Peter Obi as its leader, opposition forces seem more divided than ever. Unless drastic steps are taken to build consensus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be heading into the 2027 presidential election with a clear and widened path.
Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela writes from Abuja, the nation’s capital.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.
Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.
He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.
The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”
Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.
According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”
The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.
He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.
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