The Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will be dislodged in the 2027 general elections, if Nigeria’s opposition forces can unite under a common front. Aregbesola made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he addressed party members and key political figures aligned with the ADC’s growing coalition.
Aregbesola, a former minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, called on opposition leaders and party loyalists to put aside personal ambitions and work collectively to rescue the country from what he described as worsening conditions under the Tinubu-led government. “We have multiple elections ahead—presidential, National Assembly, and state elections—and with unity, we cannot be defeated,” he said. He noted that the ADC was currently building a broad-based alliance of “progressive-minded Nigerians” determined to offer an alternative vision for the country.
In a notable development, Aregbesola revealed that prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi have expressed support for the ADC-led coalition, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
However, Aregbesola warned party members to brace for targeted attacks from the APC, including propaganda and misinformation campaigns designed to fracture the movement. He urged members to stay focused, remain united, and not be swayed by distractions or divisive rhetoric. “The ruling party will stop at nothing to destabilize us. We must not lose sight of our goal,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Gbenga Edema, former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ondo State, echoed Aregbesola’s sentiments, accusing the APC of spreading false narratives to weaken the opposition coalition. He dismissed reports of legal challenges involving the ADC, labeling them as “mere distractions” with no impact on the coalition’s political momentum. Edema praised Aregbesola for providing clarity on both internal party matters and broader national issues during the meeting.
Former APC chieftain and ex-aide to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Hon. Akin Akinbobola, added his voice to the conversation, describing Nigeria as a country in distress. He pointed to rising insecurity, widespread hunger, and decaying infrastructure as proof that urgent political reform is needed. According to Akinbobola, the ADC and its allies are offering Nigerians a new path, grounded in unity, inclusiveness, and genuine change. “We are building a large political force, it will be like a tsunami sweeping across the country,” he said. “The challenge now is managing its size and momentum, but there is room for everyone.”
The Akure gathering underscored the ADC’s strategy to become a unifying platform for Nigeria’s fractured opposition. As frustration continues to mount over economic hardships and governance failures, the coalition is aiming to convert public discontent into political capital in the lead-up to 2027. With over ten political parties reportedly taking part in recent strategy meetings, the ADC appears to be positioning itself as the nucleus of a formidable opposition force with national reach.
