Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, have declared that President Bola Tinubu will not have an easy path to victory in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the party’s national convention themed “So That Nigeria May Work,” held on Tuesday in Abuja, ADC leaders strongly criticised the current administration, citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country. They argued that Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented levels of suffering.
Other prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, also expressed concerns about the deteriorating security situation. They further alleged that poverty levels have significantly increased under the current administration.
However, a rival faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala rejected the Abuja convention, insisting it was illegitimate and stating that their group would organise a separate convention after a Supreme Court ruling.
On April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the delisting of several key ADC figures, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its official register. The commission said the decision followed a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
The ADC has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025, when Mark’s faction formed a new National Working Committee (NWC), a move contested by other groups within the party. The crisis originated from disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.
While Nwosu reportedly endorsed a 2025 transition plan, his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, insisted on assuming the role of acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit. The disagreement escalated into multiple factional disputes, resulting in legal battles at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
In a related development, a faction aligned with the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, announced a caretaker committee during a National Executive Committee meeting convened by some state party chairmen.
As it stands, the ADC is now split into three factions: one led by Mark, another by Gombe, and a third backed by Kachikwu and headed by Kingsley Ogga.
Despite the internal divisions, more than 3,000 delegates at the Abuja convention voted to affirm Mark and Aregbesola as members of the party’s National Working Committee. The convention also ratified a revised party constitution and manifesto.
In his address, Mark stated that the ADC remains resilient despite ongoing challenges, stressing that attempts to weaken the party have only strengthened its resolve. He emphasised that the party belongs to the Nigerian people and is committed to offering a credible alternative.
Aregbesola, in his remarks, called on President Tinubu to consider resignation, citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship. He argued that transportation costs have risen to levels that make commuting unaffordable for many Nigerians.
He further stated that there would be no “automatic victory” in 2027, warning that the ADC and other opposition forces are prepared to challenge the ruling party.
Atiku Abubakar also criticised the administration, pledging that the opposition would push for significant political change and hold electoral authorities accountable.
Similarly, Peter Obi called for national unity, warning that Nigeria is becoming increasingly divided. Rotimi Amaechi echoed these concerns, urging the opposition to unite and present a viable candidate ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, Nafiu Bala’s faction dismissed the convention as a “mockery,” insisting it would follow court rulings before proceeding with its own activities.
