The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is in the final stages of concluding extensive coalition talks aimed at forming a broad-based political platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 presidential election. The National Chairman of the ADC, Dr Ralphs Okey Nwosu, disclosed this in Sunday explain that discussions—which have spanned over 16 months—are expected to culminate in a formal coalition agreement within the next one to two weeks.
“ADC started this process over 16 months ago,” Dr. Nwosu said. “We understood early on that beyond political rhetoric, we needed to engage the grassroots. The state of the nation demands either a citizen’s revolt or a patriotic coalition — and the latter is what we have chosen to champion.”
According to him, the ADC has been selected by a convergence of civil society groups, political stakeholders, and active citizens as the central platform for a new political movement capable of delivering transformational leadership.
He emphasized that the party’s ideology, rooted in reform, inclusivity, and youth empowerment, makes it a natural home for alternative political voices.
“Several organizations and influential individuals had identified the ADC as the most credible platform even before coalition politics became fashionable,” he explained.
“We’re not just talking; we’re building a political culture that is value-driven.”
Dr. Nwosu further revealed that the ADC, through various committees, has been holding consultations with political heavyweights and former presidential aspirants.
Those consulted include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
“These meetings covered nearly everyone who contested the 2023 presidency, either as aspirants or candidates,” Nwosu said.
“We are urging everyone involved to rise above personal ambition and think about Nigeria. The issues we face demand national collaboration, not tribal or religious posturing.”
The coalition-building effort, according to Nwosu, is being coordinated along three strategic axes: civil society engagement, political party alignment, and high-level stakeholder dialogue.
He disclosed that Deputy National Chairmen Dr. Bamidele Jamilu Jade and Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad are leading engagements with political actors and stakeholders, respectively.
He stressed that ADC’s organizational structure is deliberately designed to break down regional and ethnic silos.
“Unlike other parties, ADC does not divide roles by North and South,” he said. “We assign based on competence and national outlook.
“In ADC, we don’t use titles like Deputy Chairman (North) or (South). Our structure is designed to eliminate the very dichotomies that have held Nigeria back.
Dr. Nwosu, who has led the ADC for over two decades, also announced his intention to step down soon, making way for a new generation of party leadership.
However, he issued a strong warning against political opportunists seeking to hijack the party for personal or electoral gain.
“At our summit in Arewa House, Kaduna, we made it clear: ADC is not a ‘molue’—a multipurpose vehicle for temporary political convenience,” he stated.
“Parties that operate that way end up being the weakest links in our democracy. Weak parties cannot produce transformational leaders.”
He insisted that the coalition being formed will not compromise on values or credibility, even as it opens its doors to new alliances.
When asked about ADC’s stance on the zoning of the presidency ahead of the 2027 election, Dr. Nwosu said that the issue is still under discussion and that no final decision has been made.
“It’s premature to talk about zoning now,” he said. “But I can tell you that youth groups from both the North and South have raised strong arguments on equity and national balance.”
He cited a conversation with young party members as illustrative of the complexity of the issue.
“Some youth told us, ‘You say it’s the South’s turn, but since 1999, the South has had 17 years in power, while the North just 11. If Tinubu completes his first term and another Southerner takes over, that gap widens,’” Nwosu recalled.
“It’s conversations like these that show how deeply divided we remain — and why we must de-emphasize ethnic and regional sentiments.”
Dr. Nwosu creaffirmed ADC’s commitment to fostering a national consensus around democratic values, reform-oriented leadership, and people-driven governance.
“Our coalition will stay true to democratic ideals,” he affirmed. “We are urging all partners to remain focused on a shared vision: a Nigeria where government works for the people, where unity is not just a slogan, and where young people believe in their future again.”
The coalition is hoping to adopt the ADC as its platform away from the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which was initially tipped to be the party.
Former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai had decamped from the APC to the SDP hoping to bring the coalition together to take on the APC.
But troubles began when the SDP reportedly failed to yield various leadership positions including the presidential ticket to members of the coalition.
