Opposition leaders pivot to ADP as ADC leadership crisis deepens

As the leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) shows no sign of an early resolution, opposition leaders are increasingly looking toward the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a viable platform for a coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ADC is currently embroiled in legal challenges and faces potential derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) due to internal disputes. Several founding stakeholders have rejected what they describe as a “hostile takeover” of the party’s leadership.

Amidst this instability, reports indicate that prominent politicians are assessing alternative vehicles for their 2027 ambitions. The ADP has emerged as a primary interest, with the party already initiating contact with various stakeholders.

In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay in Abuja, ADP national chairman Yusuf Sani confirmed these developments. He noted that such engagements are a constitutional right guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.

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“The Action Democratic Party remains committed to playing a responsible role in advancing good governance, particularly at this critical stage in the evolution of our democracy,” Sani said.

He emphasised that the party continues to work toward the entrenchment of democratic values in Nigeria.

Efforts to prevent one-party dominance

Sani previously disclosed that recent outreach to former vice-president Atiku Abubakar was part of a broader strategy to stabilise the opposition space. This move is intended to prevent a gradual drift toward one-party dominance by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Sani, an ADP delegation met with Atiku to discuss the future of opposition politics and the necessity of collaboration among democratic stakeholders. He stated that the visit sought to reassure the former vice-president of the need for collective action rather than isolated political pursuits.