Barring last-minute changes, key opposition figures in Nigeria are weighing the possibility of abandoning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for alternative platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Top politicians, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, are said to be involved in high-level consultations following a leadership crisis that has engulfed the ADC.
The development comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended recognition of all factions of the party’s leadership. The decision followed a ruling by the Court of Appeal and ongoing litigation over the party’s internal structure.
Political insiders warn that the crisis could cripple the ADC’s ability to participate in the 2027 elections, including fielding candidates for presidential, governorship, and legislative positions.
Sources close to the developments allege that the legal battles surrounding the party may extend beyond its primaries and the submission deadline for party registers—effectively placing any ADC candidate at a significant disadvantage.
“If this crisis continues and members contest under the ADC, and the party eventually loses recognition, they cannot simply defect to another party afterward,” a source familiar with the matter said.
With INEC refusing to recognize any faction, conventions or congresses conducted under the disputed leadership risk being declared invalid.
Considered structurally stable since its formation, the party currently holds limited representation in the National Assembly, including seats occupied by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon. Matthew Nwaogu.
And the New Democratic Congress (NDC), a relatively new party promoted by former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson. Though it has minimal parliamentary presence, it is free of internal leadership disputes.
Sources indicate that opposition leaders are approaching the situation with caution. Any decision on adopting a new party platform is expected to be kept confidential until the most strategic moment, to avoid alerting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
