If the euphoria that greeted the unveiling of the ADC is sustained and competence becomes the hallmark for selecting candidates, then a new dawn is indeed birthed. But between promise and power lies ambition — and unchecked ambition may yet undo this fragile hope.
Last Wednesday, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as the political vehicle for a powerful opposition coalition, aiming to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. It was a moment that inspired cautious optimism across the country.
With political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the forefront, the coalition signaled what many hoped would be a credible alternative to APC’s dominance. But barely a week in, storm clouds are already gathering.
Interim chairman David Mark captured the coalition’s mission clearly: to save democracy and halt the drift toward a one-party state. The coalition’s formation was hailed as a necessary corrective — a rare moment of unity across party lines, regions, and ideologies.
Yet analysts and observers are now warning that the alliance could implode under the weight of personal ambition, especially over the unresolved issue of zoning the presidential ticket.
At the heart of the emerging tension is the looming contest between three major contenders: Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi. Each has signaled interest in the presidency — and each carries with them the hopes and claims of their respective regional blocs.
In Nigeria’s complex political landscape, zoning — the informal practice of rotating power between North and South which was originally midwifed by the Peoples Democratic Party to assuage the South West after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Election has remained a delicate but central factor. It has held major political parties together since the Second Republic. When breached, it often leads to internal rebellion or outright collapse, as seen in the PDP in 2015 and again in 2023.
Atiku Abubakar, a veteran of several presidential races since 1993, is reportedly gearing up for what may be his last major bid. His camp argues that as the most experienced figure — and as a former vice president — he is best positioned to challenge Tinubu and lead Nigeria.
But both Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi — representing Southern interests have strongly insisted it is the South’s turn. They argue that after eight years of Buhari (a Northerner) and four years of Tinubu (a Southerner by 2027), the South should complete the next four years for balance.
Both have even pledged to serve only a single term if elected, a tactical olive branch to Northern stakeholders.
While these arguments are framed in the language of equity and fairness, many observers see through the veil: this is about political survival, not national salvation.
If the coalition zones the ticket to the South, it risks alienating Atiku and his northern supporters. If it throws the ticket open, Southern aspirants may walk, claiming betrayal. Either scenario could trigger a political implosion — one that plays directly into the hands of the ruling APC.
This is the paradox now haunting the ADC: what began as a coalition of hope is rapidly morphing into a battlefield of egos.
Ironically, both the PDP and APC have long benefited from zoning, despite moments of internal turbulence. In 2023, APC governors stood firm in insisting that power shift to the South, leading to Tinubu’s emergence. There is little indication the APC will deviate from this path before 2027.
The PDP, by contrast, abandoned zoning in 2022 — and paid the price. Its internal rebellion led by the G5 governors shattered party unity, paving the way for Tinubu’s victory. The ADC coalition now stands at a similar crossroad.
History offers a clear warning: coalitions built on convenience and ambition collapse when tested. The ADC’s strength lies in its diversity, but that diversity must be managed with discipline, not indulgence.
What Nigerians want is not merely a Southern or Northern candidate — but a capable, compassionate, and unifying leader. A figure who can rise above sectionalism and place national interest first.
Political scientist Jibrin Ibrahim said it best: “The success of the coalition depends on establishing a level playing ground for intra-party democracy.”
If competence and fairness guide the ADC’s internal process, the coalition stands a real chance. But if personal ambition hijacks the agenda, the coalition may fracture before it even gets off the ground.
The ADC coalition was launched with fanfare, hope, and a promise of change. But now, its survival depends on whether its leaders can set aside their individual ambitions in favor of collective purpose.
The challenge before them is not just defeating Tinubu — it is defeating the politics of selfishness that has long crippled opposition unity in Nigeria.
The euphoria was real. The hope is still alive. But unless vision triumphs over ego, this “new dawn” may fade into just another political disappointment.
The choice is theirs — and the clock is already ticking.
Peter Obi, Rotimi Ameachi and Atiku Abubakar
