In a bold political move that could reshape Nigeria’s power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, former presidential candidate Peter Obi declared on Wednesday that the newly formed ADC Coalition is “committed to putting Nigerians first” above personal or party interests.
The coalition — officially named the Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) — brings together key opposition figures, civil society groups, technocrats, and youth-led movements. It was unveiled at a packed press conference in Abuja, marking what many observers see as the beginning of a serious challenge to the dominant political blocs.
Obi, speaking as one of the coalition’s founding leaders, said the ADC is not just a political alliance but a people-powered movement.
Nigerians are tired — tired of insecurity, tired of joblessness, tired of promises without action,” Obi said. “This coalition is not about me or any one individual. It is about Nigeria. We are coming together to put the people first, to build a nation that works for everyone — not just for the privileged few.”
The former Anambra governor, widely respected for his fiscal prudence and reform-minded politics, emphasized that the coalition would focus on economic recovery, education reform, power sector revamp, and restoring trust in public institutions.
Obi also made clear that the ADC would prioritize merit, character, and competence in selecting candidates for future elections, a nod to criticisms of the entrenched political elite.
The ADC includes a diverse mix of political actors: defectors from the major parties, youth activists from the End SARS generation, former technocrats from the private sector, and even some retired military officers advocating national unity and security sector reform.
Among the prominent figures at the launch were:
Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Gombe State governor
Dr. Amina Bala, a former World Bank economist and education advocate
Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former Minister of State for Education
Representatives from the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Voters and Women for Good Governance
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the coalition as a “recycled gathering of frustrated politicians,” with spokesperson Abdul Malami stating, “The Nigerian people have already made their choice in 2023, and they know who is delivering results.”
If the ADC can maintain unity, a clear policy platform, and mobilize the growing base of disillusioned young voters, they could be a formidable force in 2027,” said Dr. Ifeoma Ogunleye, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos.
Civil society groups also welcomed the development.
This is the most promising attempt in recent years to break the two-party chokehold on our democracy,” said Yemi Aderemi of the Centre for Democratic Integrity. “But the real test will be whether they can remain focused, avoid internal sabotage, and deliver on grassroots engagement.”
The ADC is expected to hold a national convention in October, where it will elect party officers and unveil a detailed policy blueprint. Peter Obi has not confirmed whether he will run for president under the new coalition but said “all options are on the table — as long as the people remain the priority.”
As the political landscape begins to shift, many Nigerians are watching closely, hopeful that this coalition might offer more than just another election cycle — but a genuine reset.
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