Presidency dismisses new ADC coalition, warns Nigerians it will soon collapse

The Presidency has warned Nigerians against putting faith in the newly announced coalition formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming it will not last.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Tinubu, described the coalition as a group bound only by their shared hostility towards the President. According to him, such a group cannot bring meaningful change to the country but rather threatens to push Nigeria backwards.

The coalition, which met on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Notable figures at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, along with other politicians such as Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Onanuga dismissed the coalition members’ relevance within the APC, pointing out that many had already distanced themselves from the ruling party:

Rotimi Amaechi left the party after losing the APC presidential primary to Tinubu in 2022.

Abubakar Malami drifted away following his failed governorship bid in Kebbi State.

Hadi Sirika is currently facing trial over allegations of contract splitting.

Rauf Aregbesola has been expelled from the APC for alleged anti-party activities and, Onanuga claimed, no longer holds significant political influence.