2027: Political Tension Brews as Lawmaker, ADC Leader Clash Over Obi, Kwankwaso Exit

A fresh disagreement has emerged within Nigeria’s opposition circles following conflicting accounts over the recent departure of some high-profile politicians from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The former presidential candidates, alongside several National Assembly members, recently exited the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing issues such as ongoing court disputes and internal party disagreements. Some also pointed to the influence of key figures within the ADC leadership as a contributing factor.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, a House of Representatives member, representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo, claimed that the decision of the defectors was influenced by remarks allegedly made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, Atiku asserted dominance over the coalition structure, suggesting the ADC was effectively under his control, a situation he said contributed to tensions within the party. He further argued that Atiku’s political ambitions had previously created divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, an ADC chieftain, Fabiyi, strongly disagreed with this narrative. He accused the defectors of avoiding political challenges and questioned their commitment to party-building and national interest.

Fabiyi maintained that neither Atiku nor internal party disagreements should be blamed for the exits, insisting that the issues were personal rather than structural.

The ADC had, in June 2025, been adopted as a coalition platform by opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and David Mark among its early supporters.

Despite the high-profile alliances, the party has faced growing internal tensions, legal disputes, and leadership struggles in recent months.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused by the ADC of attempting to weaken the opposition coalition, an allegation the presidency has dismissed.

The latest wave of defections involving Obi, Kwankwaso, and others has further intensified political debate as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.

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