A prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asserted that the party's prospects in the 2027 general elections will remain robust even if the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, chooses not to form an alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
ADC's Strength Lies in the Masses, Not Bigwigs
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, December 28, 2025, the ADC chieftain and National Coordinator of the Citizens Coalition, Kelly Agaba, provided a detailed explanation of the party's position. Agaba emphasized that the ADC's fundamental power is derived from the Nigerian populace, not from political heavyweights.
He stated, "The ADC isn't about individuals; it's about Nigerians yearning for change. Our strength lies in the masses, the victims of poor governance." Agaba acknowledged that while Obi's potential decision to not join forces with Atiku would represent a significant loss, it would not derail the party's determination. He highlighted ongoing mobilization efforts, noting that Northern states already boast over 700,000 registered members and that the Niger Delta region is actively engaged.
Targeting 13 Million Votes in a Citizens' Revolution
Agaba framed the ADC's movement as more than a typical political campaign, describing it as a "citizens' revolution." He pointed to widespread public discontent with the current state of governance as the driving force behind the party's growing support.
"The people are restless. They're done with the status quo," Agaba declared. He revealed the coalition's ambitious goal of securing more than 13 million votes in the 2027 presidential election. To achieve this, the focus is on organizing, mobilizing, and empowering communities across the nation, ensuring that the popular momentum translates into actual votes at the polls.
Context of a Shaky Coalition and Presidential Aspirants
This statement comes amid a complex political landscape where the ADC coalition itself has been described as "shaky and unstable" by Peter Obi. The coalition, formed in July 2025 in Abuja, aims to present a united opposition front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election.
However, the platform is currently the subject of an internal contest for its presidential ticket. Notable figures vying for the nomination include Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Despite the competition, Obi has previously stated he is not apprehensive about potentially losing the ADC ticket to Atiku.
Many political observers believe that any fallout or failure to collaborate between Atiku and Obi, who was Atiku's running mate in the 2019 election, could ultimately benefit the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu, by splitting the opposition vote.
