There are indications that leading opposition figures in Nigeria may abandon the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the deepening leadership crisis within the party.
Prominent politicians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are said to be holding high-level consultations over the party’s future.
The uncertainty followed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to suspend recognition of all factions of the party’s leadership.
The commission said its decision was based on a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s internal structure.
Political insiders who spoke with The Guardian warn that the leadership dispute could significantly affect the ADC’s ability to participate effectively in the 2027 elections.
According to them, the crisis could hinder the party’s chances of fielding candidates for presidential, governorship, and legislative elections.
Sources familiar with the development said the legal dispute surrounding the party may extend beyond the party primaries timeline and the submission of party registers.
“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 said.
With INEC refusing to recognise any faction of the party’s leadership, conventions or congresses organised under any of the disputed factions could later be declared invalid.
The uncertainty has reportedly triggered emergency consultations among opposition leaders.
Sources said a series of meetings is expected to be held in Abuja after the Easter period, where stakeholders will deliberate on a possible political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
As part of contingency planning, opposition leaders are reportedly considering alternative political platforms.
One of the parties under consideration is the Action People’s Party, which is regarded as structurally stable since its formation.
The party currently has limited representation in the National Assembly, including seats occupied by Ikenga Ugochinyere and Matthew Nwaogu.
Another option reportedly being examined is the New Democratic Congress, a relatively new political party promoted by former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
Although the party has minimal parliamentary presence, it is said to be free of internal leadership disputes.
Sources said opposition leaders are approaching the situation cautiously and may keep any decision about adopting a new political platform confidential.
According to insiders, this strategy is intended to prevent alerting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) until a final decision is reached.
The consultations are part of broader political realignments currently underway among opposition figures ahead of the next general elections.
