Nigerian Opposition Shake-Up: Atiku and Obi Depart PDP, Labour to Form Alliance for 2027

In what is being described as the most significant political realignment in Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999, former vice president Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a united front against President Bola Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move marks a decisive shift from their former political bases—Atiku from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi from the Labour Party (LP)—as the two main opposition figures seek to consolidate support and avoid splitting votes as they did in the 2023 elections.

A Strategic Alliance Born from Lessons Learned

In 2023, Tinubu clinched victory with only 37% of the vote. Atiku followed with 29%, and Obi trailed with 25%, their divided opposition allowing Tinubu a narrow path to power. Analysts and insiders now say that both men have recognized the missed opportunity and are determined not to repeat the same mistake.

“Atiku and Obi felt they came so close in 2023 and might have won on a joint ticket,” political analyst Shehu Iliyasu told the BBC. “They want to amend that mistake.”

This new alliance under the ADC umbrella also includes notable figures like former Senate President David Mark, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former minister Rotimi Amaechi, all of whom are seen as power brokers with substantial influence.

ADC: The New Vehicle, Not a New Party

Though the coalition had initially aimed to register a new party under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA), insiders say concerns over timing and registration logistics led them to opt for the already existing African Democratic Congress (ADC)—originally founded as the Alliance for Democratic Change in 2005.

The ADC, while not a political heavyweight until now, did contest the last presidential election, with its candidate Dumebi Kachikwu finishing fifth. It currently holds two seats in the lower chamber of parliament.

What’s at Stake in 2027?

Talks within the coalition suggest Atiku Abubakar, now 78, may once again lead the presidential ticket—his fifth attempt at the presidency—with Peter Obi, 63, likely to run as his vice-presidential candidate. While formal nominations remain a long way off, the strategy is clear: unite or lose again.

“If you look at what Atiku and Obi got in the last election, it’s clear they would’ve won together,” says analyst Ben Kenneth.

Still, not everyone sees Tinubu as vulnerable. Political strategist Sani Hamisu argues that incumbency remains a powerful asset in Nigerian—and African—politics.

“When a leader is in office seeking a second term, he hardly loses. That’s why Tinubu has a better chance now than in 2023,” he said.

Reactions from the Ruling Party and Former Allies

Despite the headlines, the ruling APC is downplaying the impact of the coalition. Acting chairman Ali Bukar Dalori dismissed the opposition’s plans as noise made by elites disconnected from the grassroots.

“Nobody is talking about a coalition except in Abuja,” he told BBC Hausa. “They’re in a hotel, and when they’re defeated, they’ll leave the country.”

Meanwhile, both the PDP and Labour Party have distanced themselves from the new movement, vowing to maintain their individual paths toward the 2027 race.

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift dramatically, one thing is certain: the battle for Aso Rock in 2027 has already begun.

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