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Atiku, Obi, Mark Unite Under ADC Banner to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 Elections

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark and other coalition leaders have officially adopted the African Democratic Congress as the platform to spearhead President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in the 2027 election.

During the unveiling, held on Wednesday, Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola were announced as the interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

Meanwhile, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu and other members of the party’s old bloc criticised Atiku, Obi, and others, accusing them of hijacking the party and claiming they lacked the capacity to lead.

In a separate response, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, maintained that the party remains united and warned that there will be consequences for members undermining the PDP in the name of a coalition.

On its part, the All Progressives Congress dismissed the opposition leaders as retired politicians who have refused to step aside, asserting that the ruling party would easily defeat them in the 2027 elections.

Against the backdrop of the hardships and lamentations caused by Tinubu’s economic reforms, the opposition parties are seeking to build a coalition that would defeat the President in the next presidential poll.

In a bid to present a strong challenge ahead of the 2027 elections, prominent opposition figures unveiled a new political coalition in Abuja on March 20.

The development sparked nationwide discussions on the potential and effectiveness of a united opposition.

On May 19, the ADC was selected as the coalition’s official political base.

In his acceptance speech, the newly interim National Chairman of the ADC, Mark, acknowledged that the efforts by the 2027 coalition to unseat Tinubu will be challenging.

He said, “Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Today marks the beginning of what we believe will be a long, difficult and tedious journey.

However, it is a journey that we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland,’’ he said.

The ADC interim chairman stated that within two years in office, the current administration has taken control of key democratic institutions and is gradually steering the country toward a full-blown civilian dictatorship.

He stated, “The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective, to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027.

This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state.

“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications.

A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerians.

“A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty.

“We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on a daily basis.

Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed.

”Mark stated that Nigerians deserved a government that ensures their safety and makes them feel secure in their own homes.

He continued, “Equally disturbing is the total emasculation of the legislative institution.

Never in our history have we witnessed a National Assembly where legislators, the trustees of the very bastion of our democracy, saddled with the sacred duty to protect Nigerians from misuse of executive power, are reduced to cheerleaders and praise singers of the President, head of the executive arm.

“Without doubt, the transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly to a mere appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people.

“It is the reason why the government can get away with various whimsical, unconstitutional policies and actions or inactions that have reduced more Nigerians to abject poverty and widened the boundaries of insecurity and fear.”

The ADC interim chairman accused the APC-led government of undermining the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding heroes and affirmed that the coalition party belongs to all Nigerians.

He stated, “This coalition is determined to offer Nigerians a path to security, prosperity, peace and progress.

Coming from various party affiliations, we are united in our resolve to present a constructive alternative to the hardship, insecurity and waste that has become the hallmark of the current APC government.

“As we proceed this day, we acknowledge the practical implications of imminent bye-elections and one state governorship election for some of our coalition partners in their respective legacy political parties.

However, all of us remain firmly united under the ADC banner for the 2027 general elections and beyond.

”Earlier in his remarks, the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, said the party leaders voluntarily resigned to allow Mark and Aregbesola to take charge and lead efforts to reposition both the party and the country.

Nwosu stated, “We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the (Presidential) Villa. We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party.

When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.

”Nwosu said the opposition coalition is not about seeking power, but moving Nigeria to “global reckoning.”

“ADC has always been about the rejuvenation of Nigeria and Africa. This journey started about 18 months ago, and we have had over 12 NEC meetings.

“When we were consulted, we said we have also been consulting because we are a party that believes in coalition.

A day like this shows that we are ready to sacrifice anything for Nigeria. We don’t have any doubt in the man; we all have decided to resign.”

Speaking after the unveiling of the ADC interim leadership, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi said inflation is at its peak and many Nigerians can no longer afford food.

He revealed he resigned from the APC on Tuesday night and expressed surprise he wasn’t expelled earlier, having warned the party not to invite him to meetings.

The former Rivers State governor stated, “No, it’s not about changing the government, if it is about changing the government, there is no need to change the government, it’s about changing Nigeria.

“Nigeria is destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the federal government is busy going around trying to hijack the election.

INEC is helping them to hijack the election.

“No, no, no. What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement, it must be a movement that brings in Nigerians to, on their own, take over government, not us.

”Those present at the unveiling include the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party, Peter Obi; and Aregbesola.

Other key figures include a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh; former PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Also in attendance were former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Abdulfattah Ahmed (Kwara), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo), Celestine Omehia (Rivers), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Window Jibrilla (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Capt. Idris Wada (Kogi), former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; former Ekiti Deputy Governor Kolapo Olushola and Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba.

Others are a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth Minister Solomon Dalung, media mogul Chief Dele Momodu, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Suleiman Nazif, Lee Maeba, Alhaji Kashim Imam, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Lukman; the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe; and an activist, Aisha Yesufu.

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BREAKING: Natasha arrives at the National Assembly to resume duty

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Suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has arrived the National Assembly complex to resume her duties.

According to reports, security was beefed up earlier at the complex over the suspended senator’s planned return.

The lawmaker’s supporters had converged at the entrance of the National Assembly complex waiting for her arrival.

Recall that Natasha had on Saturday vowed that she will resume sitting on Tuesday, July 22.

The senator cited a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the federal High Court judgment in Abuja to justify her position.

However, in a counter-statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the ruling claimed by the lawmaker.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the court merely offered an “advisory opinion” and not a compulsory directive to the upper legislative chamber.

But the Kogi Central senator insisted on resuming her duties.

Earlier on Tuesday, a video making the rounds on social media showed increased presence of security personnel, including armed guards, at the entrance of the complex – apparently to prevent breakdown of law and order over Natasha’s return.

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Senate dares Natasha to resume on Tuesday

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said no court compelled the Senate to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.

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The Nigerian Senate has cautioned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to desist from forcefully resuming her legislative duties until the expiration of her suspension.

The warning follows the media reports quoting the Kogi Central lawmaker as saying she would return to the Senate on Tuesday, based on a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said no court compelled the Senate to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.

Adaramodu emphasised that the Senate remains committed to due process and the rule of law.

He said, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.

The Senate had previously issued two public statements after the court ruling and the release of the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order, making it clear that no positive or mandatory directive was issued against the Senate regarding her recall.

“Rather, the Honourable Court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.

“The Court, however, explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary.”

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Dele Momodu Leaves PDP for ADC

His defection to the ADC marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape, and adds momentum to the ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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• Dele Momodu

Veteran journalist , Aare Dele Momodu has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as the hijacking of the party by antidemocratic forces.

In a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward 4 Chairman in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Momodu said his decision to leave the party was taken with immediate effect.

“My reason is simple and straightforward,” the letter reads. “Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight.

It is therefore honorable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

Momodu, a former presidential aspirant on the PDP platform and publisher of Ovation International, expressed gratitude to the party leadership at the ward level for their consistent support over the years.

His defection to the ADC marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape, and adds momentum to the ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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