A New Power Bloc: Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi Unite to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

iNewsAfrica Political Desk
Date: July 3, 2025
By: Dr. Michael Omoruyi

Abuja, Nigeria — In a bold political realignment that is shaking Nigeria’s power corridors, several of the nation’s most prominent political figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi—have officially united under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a mega opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

This unprecedented alliance merges heavyweights from the ruling APC, the main opposition PDP, and the Labour Party in what analysts are calling a “2015-style comeback” for Nigeria’s fractured opposition.

The Faces Behind the Coalition

The coalition includes

• Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and PDP stalwart

• Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate

• Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Governor of Kaduna State

• Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister and Rivers Governor

• Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General

• David Mark, appointed interim National Chairman

• Rauf Aregbesola, named interim Secretary

Other key players include dozens of former ministers, governors, national assembly members, and elder statesmen seeking to forge a new political direction.

Their Mission

The new bloc says it aims to

• Restore Nigeria’s multi-party democracy

• Reform electoral laws

• Tackle corruption and insecurity

• Address economic instability and rising cost of living

• Prevent a slide into “civilian dictatorship.”

In a fiery speech, interim chairman David Mark warned that “Nigerians are at risk of losing their democratic freedoms under one-party domination,” adding that this coalition represents “a return to people-centered governance.”

Political Repercussions

• Labour Party gave Peter Obi a 48-hour ultimatum to clarify his position, warning of expulsion over his coalition involvement.

• The APC, through spokespersons, dismissed the coalition as “a recycled gathering of yesterday’s politicians.”

• The PDP is reportedly in emergency talks as more members may defect to the new ADC-driven bloc.

Next Steps for the Coalition

Nationwide Mobilization:
ADC must now evolve from a fringe party to a national electoral force. Grassroots structures in Nigeria’s 774 LGAs are key.

Candidate Strategy:
Will the coalition back a consensus presidential flag bearer—or hold primaries? With Atiku and Obi both potential contenders, internal negotiations loom large.

Policy Blueprint:
The coalition plans to unveil a “New Nigeria Agenda” by September, covering the economy, governance reforms, youth employment, education, and security.

Reactions from Across Nigeria

• Civic groups have hailed the move as a “fresh breath of political accountability.”

• Some youth organizations see hope in a third-force platform beyond APC and PDP dominance.

• Skeptics warn the coalition could collapse under ego clashes unless a clear leadership and power-sharing formula is adopted.

What This Means

This development marks the most serious challenge yet to President Tinubu’s reelection ambitions. With Nigeria’s economy under pressure, public confidence in traditional parties fading, and citizens yearning for change, the success—or failure—of this new coalition could shape the country’s democratic trajectory for the next decade.

Stay with iNewsAfrica for in-depth coverage, interviews, and political insights as the 2027 race takes shape.

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