The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has established a high-powered committee to open talks with influential figures across opposition parties, as jockeying intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
A senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the committee’s mandate was deliberately broad, with no single party or individual being targeted, as the ADC seeks to deepen opposition cooperation before the polls. The move comes amid mounting speculation that prominent politicians, including the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are being courted by the party.
Kwankwaso last Saturday publicly declared his willingness to align with any opposition coalition prepared to offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket. Speaking in Kano while addressing supporters and responding to rumours surrounding the possible defection of the state governor, Abba Yusuf, he outlined conditions for any prospective alliance.
According to the ADC official, the engagement committee was set up to manage such discussions discreetly. “It is for proper engagements across all party ranks, though this is not something we expect to be leaked to the public,” the source said. “We are not targeting a particular political party or individual, as we are maintaining an open dialogue platform with all of them.”
Another party source confirmed that the ADC’s national chairman, David Mark, had made it clear to Kwankwaso’s camp that no guarantees could be given regarding either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
The ADC emerged in July 2025 as the platform adopted by opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Since then, under the leadership of Mark, a former senate president, and Rauf Aregbesola, the former Osun state governor who serves as national secretary, the party has been working to consolidate its structures nationwide and build public confidence.
Several high-profile defections have followed. The former Rivers state governor Rotimi Amaechi joined in July, the former vice-president Atiku Abubakar followed in November, and the former Anambra state governor Peter Obi came on board on 31 December.
Party insiders say the current talks are aimed at shaping what they describe as an inclusive government of national unity, rather than striking pre-election bargains over top tickets. One source said the party was keen to accommodate Kwankwaso and his support base through significant political appointments.
“Since Kwankwaso expressed his readiness to work with the ADC, the party’s leadership has been working around the clock,” the source said. “The ADC is interested in bringing him in, but it is not willing to proceed on false assumptions. There will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket. What is being proposed is an inclusive cabinet and an inclusive government, where all stakeholders have a fair share.”
Another senior figure said Mark was expected to meet Kwankwaso in the coming days to discuss possible terms, including the allocation of key positions such as ministerial slots, leadership roles in the National Assembly and even the post of secretary to the government of the federation.
“Nobody can promise anyone the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, given the current realities within the ADC,” the source said. “But discussions around power-sharing and inclusion are possible. A committee has been set up to deliberate on these issues and reach an agreement quickly.”
Despite the delicate negotiations, party leaders remain optimistic. “The party believes Kwankwaso will eventually join others in its fold to defeat the All Progressives Congress administration,” the source added.
The ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment directly on the existence of the committee but said the party was focused on strengthening its ranks. “ADC is a party that has come to stay,” he said. “We are leaving no stone unturned to increase our membership and remove the APC government.”
The NNPP’s publicity secretary, Oladipo Johnson, confirmed that Kwankwaso and his party were engaged in consultations with other political actors, though he declined to say whether the ADC was among them.
“What I can tell you is that consultations are ongoing,” Johnson said. “The leadership of the party, including our national leader, is engaging widely. At the appropriate time, a statement will be issued to clarify our position.”
