The Nigerian Presidency has advised leaders of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to shelve their ambitions for the 2027 general elections and instead prepare for 2031.
Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare made this known in Abuja, while responding to the recent unveiling of the ADC coalition, which features prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others.
Describing the group as a “purely opportunistic gathering of disgruntled politicians,” Dare stated that the coalition lacks the unity, credibility, and national appeal required to dislodge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The Presidency already rests with the region rightfully due. And that’s where it will be till 2031,” Dare said, suggesting President Tinubu is on course to complete two full terms.
Tinubu’s Democratic Credentials Highlighted
Dare defended the Tinubu administration’s track record, asserting that none of the coalition’s leaders matches Tinubu’s democratic pedigree or influence.
“In 2013, the APC emerged through selflessness, national interest, and strategic discipline. Leaders like Tinubu shelved personal ambition for national unity. That level of sacrifice is absent in today’s opposition coalition,” he argued.
He emphasized that unlike the APC merger that brought together cohesive and strategic actors, the new coalition is driven by “avarice ambition” rather than a genuine desire to fix perceived injustices.
“There is no injustice to redress—only ambition to satisfy the cravings of a few for control of the national treasury,” Dare stated.
ADC Coalition Branded as Politically Weak
The Presidency’s message was clear: the current coalition lacks both grassroots credibility and leadership unity, two key ingredients that helped the APC secure victory in 2015.
“None of them commands the kind of loyalty or national appeal Tinubu had when the APC was formed. They cannot unite a ward, let alone the country,” Dare added.
Background: The ADC Opposition Movement
Last week’s meeting in Abuja saw several high-profile opposition figures converge to unveil the ADC as a coalition platform, with ambitions to challenge the APC in 2027. The coalition is seen as a response to growing discontent with economic and political developments under the Tinubu administration.
However, the Presidency’s reaction now signals a hardline stance and a strong show of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the APC’s 2027 prospects.
