- Tomiwa Ogunkoya | Premier World News
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has acknowledged that the exit of former presidential contenders, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has significantly impacted the party’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mark made the admission on Wednesday while addressing members of the Forum of the ADC (former Federal Lawmakers) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Reacting to the high-profile defections, Mark conceded the political weight of the development but framed it as a catalyst for internal consolidation.
“No doubt, the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso has its impact, but that will spur us to work harder”, he said.
The departure of the two influential political figures, both of whom command significant grassroots followings and national visibility, has been widely interpreted by analysts as a major setback for the ADC’s coalition-building efforts.
Obi and Kwankwaso recently aligned with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), where they are reportedly pursuing a joint presidential ticket ahead of the next general election.
Their exit underscores the fluid and increasingly competitive nature of Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as parties reposition and consolidate ahead of 2027.
Amid concerns over potential fragmentation, Mark urged party members to maintain unity and avoid internal divisions.
“We must close our ranks and avoid issues of factionalization. Our opponents are bringing renegades as one-person factions. We shall overcome all their shenanigans”, he stated.
He further expressed confidence in the party’s resilience:
“Nigerians are already with us, and we all need to be on board. That is why I urge us all to work together and succeed together”.
Despite the leadership’s optimism, political observers note that the loss of Obi and Kwankwaso represents more than routine defections, it reflects a strategic weakening of ADC’s electoral appeal, particularly among reform-minded voters and regional power blocs.
The party now faces the immediate challenge of; rebuilding its coalition strength, presenting credible, electable candidates and maintaining internal cohesion amid shifting alliances.
Premier World News reports that with multiple opposition figures pursuing parallel platforms, Nigeria’s political space appears headed toward a fragmented contest, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics and voter alignments.
For the ADC, the coming months will be critical in determining whether it can recover lost ground or risk further marginalization in an increasingly competitive race, Premier World News reports.
