Presidency Blasts ADC Coalition, Labels It “A Gathering of Desperados Hungry for Power

The Presidency has issued a scathing response to the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new opposition coalition platform for the 2027 general elections, describing the political alliance as a desperate power grab motivated by selfish interests rather than national progress.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the reaction came shortly after opposition leaders convened at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday to formally launch the ADC as a united platform ahead of 2027. The high-profile event featured key figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as ex-Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Mark and Aregbesola were unveiled as the interim National Chairman and National Secretary of the newly repositioned ADC, which insiders say is intended to serve as a “third force” against both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Also Read: Breaking: 5 Serving APC Governors, 14 Former Ministers, 8 Ex-Governors in Talks to Join ADC

Presidency Condemns Coalition as Self-Serving

Reacting to the development, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described the event as a “charade” and its attendees as “desperados, hungry for power.”

“These politicians are not driven by patriotism or any clear ideology. They want power at all costs because they cannot endure another four years in the political wilderness,” Onanuga said.

He accused the coalition leaders of forming an alliance out of personal frustration and political irrelevance, not out of a genuine concern for Nigeria’s development.

“Failed Politicians Seeking Relevance” — Onanuga

In his strongly worded statement, Onanuga listed several key figures in the coalition whom he described as politically displaced or disgraced, including:

• Rotimi Amaechi: Allegedly distanced himself from APC after losing the 2022 presidential primaries to Tinubu.
• Abubakar Malami: Said to have abandoned the APC following his failed governorship bid in Kebbi State.
• Hadi Sirika: Currently facing trial over contract-related fraud, which Onanuga pointed to as damaging to the coalition’s credibility.
• Rauf Aregbesola: Labeled a “renegade” expelled from APC over alleged anti-party activities during the Osun governorship election.

He also dismissed the roles of Kashim Imam and Chief John Odigie Oyegun, describing them as disillusioned politicians with no current relevance within the APC.

“Many of these people have long ceased to be part of APC’s active structure. Some were never relevant in the first place,” Onanuga added.

 

Pay Attention To: David Mark Emerges ADC National Chairman as Top APC Chieftains Dump Party for Opposition Coalition (Full List)

 

Coalition Lacks Clear Agenda, Presidency Warns

The Presidency warned Nigerians to be cautious of the new opposition movement, calling it a “coalition without ideology” and claiming it is united solely by a common hatred for President Tinubu.

“My advice to Nigerians: keep your eyes wide open. A political party with no clear agenda or ideology—whose members are united only by their hatred for President Tinubu—cannot be good for our country. It will only set us back by decades,” he said.

Onanuga expressed confidence that the coalition would not survive, citing what he described as “irreconcilable personal and political ambitions” among its leading members.

Political Reactions Mixed

While the Presidency has dismissed the ADC coalition, opposition supporters see the formation as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. The move comes amid growing discontent over economic hardship, insecurity, and alleged exclusionary politics under the APC-led administration.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the ADC is undergoing restructuring to absorb defectors from various political backgrounds, with plans to unveil a new manifesto focused on economic recovery, restructuring, and inclusive governance.

What This Means Ahead of 2027

Political analysts say the development could intensify political activity and realign power blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections. If the coalition succeeds in maintaining unity, it may pose a formidable challenge to the two dominant parties.

However, the success or failure of the ADC-led coalition will likely hinge on its ability to:

• Maintain internal cohesion
• Articulate a clear national agenda
• Avoid the pitfalls of personality-driven politics

The APC has yet to issue an official party-wide response beyond Onanuga’s statement. More reactions are expected in the coming days as the political temperature continues to rise.