A major crisis is brewing in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the emergence of a new faction within the party that has publicly rejected a coalition arrangement involving top opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Musa Isa Matara, the national publicity secretary of the faction, condemned the move by some politicians to adopt the ADC as the official platform for an opposition coalition.

Matara accused those behind the arrangement of attempting to hijack the party without consulting its critical stakeholders.

“The ADC is not a ‘private coalition platform’ to be hijacked by political elites,” the statement declared.

He stated that the reported decision to merge with an opposition alliance was made unilaterally and without input from state executives, ward coordinators, youth leaders, or the women’s wing of the party.

“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” Matara warned.

“The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”

The protest comes in response to a meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, where several high-profile opposition politicians and some ADC members reportedly agreed to transform the party into a coalition vehicle for the 2027 general elections.

Among those said to be in attendance were Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and ex-PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus.

At the end of the meeting, the coalition reportedly adopted ADC as its platform and named David Mark as interim national chairman, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary.

Also appointed was former sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi, who was introduced as the coalition’s spokesperson.

However, Matara swiftly dismissed the legitimacy of those appointments and insisted the party was unaware of such plans.

“The party leadership had no prior knowledge of these developments and we reject what we call an imposed arrangement,” he said.

While affirming the ADC’s openness to alliances and partnerships, he emphasized that it must not come at the expense of internal democracy and party sovereignty.

“The appointments announced at the meeting carry no weight, as they were not ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee or a national convention,” Matara stated.

“The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading,” the statement continued.

“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition.”

He also raised concerns about ongoing legal disputes stemming from the 2023 general elections, warning that these unresolved matters pose a serious risk to any coalition agreement.

“If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty,” Matara added.

“Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections. These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.”

In a stark warning about Nigeria’s growing electoral costs, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has revealed that obtaining a House of Representatives ticket may now cost up to ₦500 million, while defending or challenging a result in court could set a candidate back by ₦1 billion.

The revelation came during the official launch of a new WFD report in Abuja, titled “How Money is Undermining Nigeria’s Democracy.”

The report was supported by the European Union under the WYDE Civic Engagement project.

It paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s democratic future, warning that women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are increasingly priced out of the political arena.

“Justice itself is now only affordable to the highest bidders,” the report stated, adding that “some senior lawyers now charge between ₦500 million and ₦1 billion per client to handle election disputes from the tribunal level to the Supreme Court.”

According to the WFD, the country’s political economy now allows only the wealthiest to compete.

In the 2024 off-cycle elections, it estimated that major governorship contenders in Edo and Ondo states spent between ₦2.3 billion and ₦3.8 billion, respectively.

The report also criticized the Electoral Act’s campaign spending limits, arguing that while they exist on paper, “enforcement remains weak or non-existent.”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its official timetable for the 2025–2026 election cycle.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement during the second quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

“The five major elections highlighted in the new timetable include by-elections in 12 states, slated for August 16, 2025, followed by the Anambra State Governorship election on November 8, 2025.”

“Looking into 2026, the schedule includes Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti State Governorship election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship election on August 8, 2026,” he said.

Yakubu also announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide, beginning with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration from August 25.

For Anambra State, ahead of its off-cycle election, the CVR will begin next week and take place across all 326 wards, in line with the Electoral Act’s 90-day voter registration requirement.

INEC also used the occasion to welcome two new National Commissioners, Prof. Sunday Aja and Abdulrazak Yusuf, along with six recently appointed RECs attending the meeting for the first time.

Yakubu reminded the RECs of their frontline role in electoral management:

“The critical role of RECs in election management cannot be overemphasized. I urge you to proactively implement policy and procedural issues without constant prompting from the Headquarters.”

In response to lingering legal ambiguities, INEC disclosed plans to issue supplementary regulations on the review of election results, specifically to clarify Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which deals with reviewing declarations and returns.

“As we approach the by-elections, the off-cycle governorship elections and ultimately the 2027 general election, the commission is concerned with the various interpretations given to the provision of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 on the review of election results,” Yakubu said.

“Pursuant to our powers to issue regulations, guidelines and manuals to give effect to the provisions of the Electoral Act and for its administration, the Commission is working on a supplement to the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022 to provide clarity on the review of declaration and return at elections.”

He added that the new supplementary guidelines could be released this week and will be made available on INEC’s official website and platforms.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, revealed on Tuesday that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally presented a single-term proposal to the newly formed opposition coalition for review.

Tanko made the disclosure during a ceremony in Gombe, where Obi was honored with the traditional title of ‘Sarki Maskan’ (War Hero) and another title, ‘Dan Maje Babba Pantanmi,’ in recognition of his contributions to the Pantami community.

A commendation letter was also issued by the District Head of Pantami Palace, Mai Martaba Abdullahi.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE on the sidelines of the event, Tanko confirmed that Obi’s four-year term proposal is now being considered by the coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.

“We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work. This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity,” Tanko said.

He added that Obi is convinced he doesn’t need more than four years to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and push through key reforms.

“Obi has said clearly—even though the single term is not in the constitution—that he is committing himself to serve only one tenure. He believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission. That shows you how prepared and focused he is.”

The Obidient leader emphasized that Obi’s vision includes major infrastructure and economic overhauls—starting with the power sector.

“Even stabilising electricity alone will solve a multitude of problems. He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty,”
he stated.

Tanko, who once contested for the presidency himself, also explained why Obi, typically known for shunning titles, accepted this one from a northern community.

“Obi is not a man who chases titles. But this one is special. It comes from a northern community recognising an Igbo man for his generosity and impact. It speaks volumes about Obi’s growing national acceptance, especially in the North, where he was less favoured during the 2023 elections.”

He pointed out that Obi’s humanitarian efforts in underserved northern communities, particularly through borehole installations and support for local entrepreneurs, have begun to transform his public perception across the region.

“His Excellency has visited places without potable water and funded borehole projects. In Pantami today, there is clean water not just for people but even for animals. Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed.”

“He also supports entrepreneurship among northern youths and visits Almajiri schools, even helping to build toilets where there were none. These gestures have earned him deep grassroots support,” Tanko added.

He concluded by describing the recognition from Pantami as a powerful symbol of Obi’s efforts to foster unity across Nigeria’s regions.

“It is a testament to the bridge-building legacy of Peter Obi and an indicator that the political tide may be shifting ahead of 2027.”

As the race for the 2027 presidential election intensifies, a close associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Yusuf Sharada, has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively reaching out to the former Kano State governor in a bid to secure his support and reclaim Kano State.

Sharada, who serves as the National Coordinator of Project Save Nigeria, made this disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.

“They have been wooing Senator Kwankwaso to join them in the APC knowing his antecedents and his mass followership. Of course, it is their political permutations,”
Sharada said.

He explained that the APC, having lost significant ground in Kano, a state known for its substantial voting strength, has recognized Kwankwaso’s political clout and influence across the North-West and is eager to draw him into the party.

“Senator Kwankwaso stayed away from the APC because he is not in tandem with what they are doing as a government. They have been insisting that they want him to join them. Politics is about numbers and they know that he has the numbers, especially from Kano and the core North-Western part of the country.”

Sharada also suggested that the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman may not be coincidental. According to him, it could be part of a broader political strategy to make way for Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC.

“Maybe the APC has perfected their plans. They are looking for the numbers because of their anti-masses policies; the masses of Nigeria are no longer with them.
So, they now want someone that the masses of this country have hope in to join them so that they have those numbers, especially from that part of the country,”
he added.

The Kwankwasiyya movement, a grassroots political base with deep loyalty to Kwankwaso, plays a central role in this equation. Sharada noted that these supporters will ultimately follow Kwankwaso’s lead, regardless of the political platform he aligns with.

“One thing that people should understand about the followers of Senator Kwankwaso is that they value him more than any platform or party that he is in because of his antecedent and the way he impacted so many lives in that part of the country. So, people listen to his opinion; they are waiting for him to give directives for them to follow,”
he explained.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the North, particularly Kano State, has remained a strategic political stronghold due to its consistently high voter turnout. In the 2023 presidential election, Kano recorded approximately 1.7 million votes, making it a key battleground state.

In that election:

Kwankwaso (NNPP) won 997,279 votes, taking 38 out of 44 LGAs,

Tinubu (APC) followed with 517,341 votes,

Atiku Abubakar (PDP) secured 131,716 votes, and

Peter Obi (Labour Party) got 28,513 votes.

Nationwide, Kwankwaso came fourth with 1,496,687 votes, behind Tinubu (8,794,726), Atiku (6,984,520), and Obi (6,101,533).

Currently, Kwankwaso’s political influence remains intact in Kano, where his protégé, Abba Kabir Yusuf, governs under the NNPP.

Former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, has expressed skepticism over the recent proposal by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, to serve only a single term if elected president in 2027.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Sani said Obi’s pledge is difficult to accept, especially in the northern region of Nigeria, which he argues believes power should return to the North after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.

“Yes, Mr Peter Obi can agree to say: ‘I am going to do one term’ but the northerners will tell you that after Bola Tinubu’s term, if he gets the (second) election, it should come to the north,”
Sani said.

Peter Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State, made headlines on Sunday during an X Space session with his supporters when he reiterated that if elected president in 2027, he would honor a four-year, single-term agreement.

However, Sani questioned the practicality of that pledge, pointing out that political dynamics change significantly once candidates assume office.

“But we are human beings. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Peter Obi is not a saint; he is not somebody who is from another planet. We have seen successive governments trying to see how they can turn the constitution around and give themselves a third term and things like that.”

According to Sani, despite Obi’s promises, it is natural for public skepticism to grow, especially in a political environment where incumbents often seek to extend their stay in power by any means.

“This is why it would be difficult for a lot of people to believe Mr Peter Obi that after one term, he would leave. And then how would he even succeed if you look at the sentimental aspect of it, the state capture, and power of incumbency.”

Sani’s remarks also come at a time when Nigeria’s political space is already heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu, who hails from the South-West, is expected to complete his first term by May 2027 and is widely anticipated to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sani emphasized that based on the principle of rotational power—a long-standing but informal political understanding—many northerners believe the next presidency should return to their region.

In a stunning political development, former Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he helped shape and nurture for over two decades.

The former lawmaker confirmed his resignation in a letter dated Friday, June 27, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Otukpo Ward 1 in Benue State.

In the letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE Mark wrote:

“I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria.
I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect.”

He recalled his longstanding loyalty to the PDP and the efforts he made to keep the party relevant during its toughest times:

“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.”

“I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party—efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians.”

Mark, however, expressed deep concern over the current state of the party, citing unresolved leadership disputes and disunity:

“However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences—have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule.”

He concluded the letter by announcing his next political step:

“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the national coalition of political opposition movements in Nigeria, as part of the collective efforts to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”

After weeks of discussions on whether to align with an existing party or await the registration of a new vehicle, northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the official platform for a proposed coalition ahead of the 2027 election.

The group, which initially had plans to split into three parties pending the 2026 INEC notice, instead came together last Saturday for a consultative session led by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Participants included PDP’s Umar Bature, Aliyu Goronyo, and Kebbi State chairman Dr Ibrahim Mera, who emphasised regional unity.

“Only a united political front could rescue Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC,”
said Mera, affirming Kebbi’s commitment.

In Abuja, John Chuma Nwosu, ADC’s gubernatorial candidate in Anambra, confirmed the platform’s selection and dismissed the ADA registration’s threat. He explained:

“ADC was ready, tested and trusted as an existing political party … ADC has been a long-established and nationally recognised party. It has never been deregistered … Quite on the contrary, ADA is an attempt to register an entirely new party … ADA will have to cross the high hurdles of registration to get to where the ADC is currently.”

Speaking on ADC’s new leadership, he added:

“Politics is dynamic, leadership changes are routine, as long as they conform to established norms … Anambra will be the first test case … ground zero for ADC and the coalition partners … We will welcome those who have joined or … may wish to join the coalition under ADC.”

Meanwhile, at another gathering of PDP heavyweights—including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Prince Uche Secondus, Aminu Tambuwal, and others—a communiqué read by Mark criticised the APC and expressed deep concern over the PDP’s decline:

“Our dear party has never been the same again … The vision of the founding fathers has been eroded, and the APC-led federal government is using state institutions to stifle opposition and destroy democracy.”

They also took aim at the current government:

“The PDP, with its organic structure, capacity, and history, remains the most credible platform to lead this charge … However, it must be rebuilt through unity and strategic alliances with other pro-democracy forces.”

Aliyu Audu, a former Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Affairs, has revealed that during his entire tenure as a presidential aide, he never had a single meeting with the President.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Audu said President Tinubu was highly inaccessible, even to those working closely within the corridors of power.

“I didn’t meet him for once all through my stay as one of his assistants,”

Audu said bluntly during the interview.

The former aide, who recently resigned from his position, described the President’s style of leadership as disconnected from those around him.

He expressed concern that Tinubu surrounds himself with a select group of individuals, rather than engaging broadly with his team or the Nigerian people.

According to Audu, such a leadership approach is not what the country needs as it looks toward the 2027 general election.

“In 2027, Nigerians need a leader who would make himself accessible to the people and not to a select few,”
he stressed.

Audu went on to declare his intention to actively oppose Tinubu’s re-election, citing the President’s inaccessibility and lack of inclusive governance as key reasons.

His remarks come amid growing criticism of the current administration’s handling of key national issues, with some former insiders—like Audu—now publicly voicing dissent.

Senator David Mark, a former Senate President, and Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Governor of Osun State, have emerged as interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has now been adopted as the official political platform for a growing opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

According to credible sources present at a closed-door meeting held late Tuesday in Abuja, the decision was unanimous among coalition leaders.

These individuals, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, revealed that former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has also been appointed as interim National Publicity Secretary.

“We just concluded a meeting tonight. Mark and Aregbesola have been appointed as the ADC Interim National Chairman and National Secretary,”
one of the sources disclosed.
“This will be officially unveiled tomorrow (Wednesday), so we are on track.”

DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported exclusively on May 19 that the coalition led by figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others—had settled on ADC as its platform after weeks of internal consultation.

Confirming the report, Kola Ologbondiyan, a former aide to Senator Mark and one-time PDP National Publicity Secretary, posted via his verified X account:

“African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been adopted as the political party for the coalition. The party has elected Sen. David Mark as the Interim National chairman and Ogbeni Raud Aregbesola as the interim National Secretary.”

The coalition, which was initially unveiled during a strategic meeting in Abuja on March 20, has been touted as a potential game-changer in the 2027 election cycle.

Despite mixed public reactions, the idea of a united opposition has gained traction in political circles.

Though Aregbesola initially declined the secretary role, sources revealed that pressure from coalition leaders ultimately convinced him to accept.

“You know Aregbesola rejected it some time ago, but he was prevailed upon by stakeholders, so he has accepted to serve in that capacity,” another insider said.

“All of this, and more, will be made public tomorrow. Former Minister of Sport, Bolaji will serve as National Publicity Secretary.”

With Ralph Nwosu, the former ADC National Chairman, stepping aside to make room for the interim leadership, the coalition is now set for a formal unveiling in Abuja.

The opposition’s effort comes amid growing discontent with President Tinubu’s administration, which, while recording some achievements, has been persistently criticised by various opposition parties and civil society groups.

A major political realignment may be underway as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, several former governors, and other prominent figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have signaled their intention to leave the party.

This development was revealed in a communique released after a high-level meeting held in Abuja.

The session was attended by senior PDP stakeholders including Atiku and David Mark, among others.

According to the communique, shared by notable publisher Dele Momodu via his social media platforms, the party is no longer what it once was.

“The PDP, which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self.”

The statement attributed the party’s current state to pressures exerted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the administration’s tactics have undermined the PDP’s cohesion.

“The heatwave unleashed by the APC Federal government through threats, blackmail and patronage has forced elected officers in government to abandon the PDP.”

In light of these concerns, the attendees of the meeting have resolved to take decisive steps moving forward.

“The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition,” the communique read in part.

The mention of a coalition hints at an emerging political front, which the PDP defectors may soon embrace in a bid to reshape the country’s opposition landscape.