The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has announced that discussions regarding the proposed opposition coalition for the 2027 presidential election will be concluded within the next one to two weeks.

Speaking over the weekend, Nwosu revealed that the ADC has been adopted as the platform under which the coalition will contest the upcoming election. He disclosed that various committees established by the party have already met with key political figures involved in the coalition talks.

"ADC started a process 16 months ago, and what we have been doing is ensuring that, beyond all the political talks among political leaders, we needed to touch the grassroots, because the situation in the country will either one day call for a citizens' revolt or a patriots' coalition," Nwosu stated.

He emphasized that the ADC is widely regarded by well-meaning Nigerians and patriots as a viable coalition platform. However, he noted, "You cannot discuss leadership, political or otherwise, in Nigeria in isolation," explaining why committees had to be set up to engage with the people.

According to Nwosu, the coalition discussions are being conducted on three fronts. As National Chairman and Chairman of the National Consultative Organ dealing with citizens and patriots, his role differs from those of other party officials. Deputy National Chairman Bamidele Jamilu Jade is coordinating with some political parties, while Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is engaging with other political stakeholders.

High-Profile Meetings

Nwosu confirmed that the committees have met with prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. He added that they have engaged with "almost all those who ran for President in 2023 — either as aspirants or candidates."

The ADC chairman firmly dismissed suggestions that the party would merely serve as a vehicle for ambitious politicians seeking electoral victory. "At a summit at Arewa House in Kaduna last year, we made it clear that any politician who thinks ADC is a 'molue' for getting to where they want to go, a multipurpose vehicle — must think again. That mentality is what has made political parties the weakest link in our democratic chain," he emphasized.

Zoning Considerations

Regarding the zoning of the coalition's presidential ticket for 2027, Nwosu indicated that stakeholders are still deliberating, and appropriate decisions will be made in due course. He acknowledged hearing from various youth groups who believe it should be "the turn of the South."

However, he also noted an interesting perspective from some young people who pointed out that since the return to democracy, the North has held the presidency for 11 years while the South has had it for 17 years. They argued that if the South were to take another four years after President Tinubu's first term, it would extend the South's tally to 22 years compared to the North's 11 years.

Nwosu highlighted the ADC's approach to national unity, stating that the party avoids designations like "North" or "South" for its deputy chairmanship positions, instead basing these roles on function rather than geography. "When you go through our DNA and the things we do, we have already shared our materials with the coalition leaders because we must chart a new course," he concluded.