Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is positioning itself to produce a presidential candidate capable of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Melaye, speaking after the formation of a landmark opposition coalition, stressed that while the party has attracted political heavyweights, its immediate priority is to strengthen internal structures before unveiling its flagbearer.
The July 2 coalition brought together high-profile politicians — including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Melaye himself — under the ADC platform. The alliance’s goal is to unite opposition blocs into a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sceptics, however, doubt the coalition’s staying power. Former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore is among those warning that internal rivalries and competition for the presidential ticket could fracture the alliance well before the polls.
Melaye brushed off such concerns, portraying the ADC as a moral and political movement for Nigerians seeking genuine reform.
“Why Nigerians should think differently about the ADC is that, like an altar call in a church, only those with conscience, who are ready to leave darkness and move into light, will respond,” he said.
“Not everybody in the ADC is a saint, but everyone who has joined is concerned about Nigeria’s future. We want to be able to tell our grandchildren, when we are old and toothless, that we stood up for this country and did what was right.”
The ADC’s growing profile was underscored in July when party founder Ralph Nwosu presented membership cards to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, naming them interim national chairman and secretary of the coalition, respectively — a move analysts say could bolster the party’s organisational strength ahead of 2027.
