National Politics
Peter Obi, David Mark, Aregbesola, and the ADC Merger: A Defining Step Toward Nigeria’s 2027 Political Rebirth
The coalition brings David Mark (Middle Belt), Aregbesola (South West), and Obi (South East/South South influence) together under one umbrella. It may be possible that it has the potential to transcend tribal sentiment.
Tracking Times Editorial
A Coalition of Unlikely Allies: Reimagining Nigeria’s Political Future in 2027
The political landscape has long been fragmented by tribalism, corruption, and bitter party rivalries. Now, a bold and unprecedented move has just emerged.
On July 2, 2025, Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, made a formal announcement. He announced the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by a coalition of political forces. This coalition chose ADC as their unified platform for the 2027 general elections. More surprising, however, is the inclusion of Distinguished Senator David Mark as National Chairman. Former Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serves as National Secretary.
This realignment of political forces is not just a strategic electoral calculation. It represents a potential ideological reset. It serves as a clarion call for unity among those once separated by partisan interests. It is a conscious attempt to reject the status quo and forge a collective pathway to a new Nigeria. But will this coalition finally deliver the long-desired change?
The Anatomy of the Coalition
Senator David Mark, a former Senate President known for his deep legislative experience, represents stability and institutional memory. Rauf Aregbesola, once a core progressive within the APC, was also a former Minister of Interior. He carries weight among the South West and Islamic northern political blocs. Peter Obi, the face of youth-powered political revolution since 2022, commands moral authority among the younger population. He also commands moral authority among the urban middle class.
Together, this trio combines federal legislative wisdom, grassroots mobilization strength, and technocratic governance vision. More importantly, their adoption of the ADC signals a shift. The ADC was once seen as marginal. This choice represents a departure from the political behemoths (PDP and APC) that have dominated Nigeria’s Fourth Republic since 1999.
Lessons from the 2023 Elections: A Painful Wake-Up Call
The 2023 general elections ignited the flames of hope among millions of Nigerians. Peter Obi’s campaign inspired millions with a message of fiscal prudence, youth inclusion, and anti-corruption. But ultimately, entrenched structures of incumbency and political manipulation prevailed.
Despite the setbacks, the Labour Party’s showing demonstrated the hunger for alternative governance. Obi’s coalition is now acknowledging that popular support alone cannot defeat Nigeria’s deeply rooted political machinery. As Obi stated in his July 2025 post, “No one group can change Nigeria alone… We must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy.”
This realization is critical. For Nigeria to change, its opposition forces must stop running on parallel tracks. The 2027 coalition under ADC shows that compromise, not charisma alone, will drive transformation.
Why ADC? The Symbolism and Strategic Shift
The choice of ADC (African Democratic Congress) as the vehicle is not arbitrary. Formed in 2005, ADC has a history of promoting pan-Africanism, grassroots empowerment, and a clean break from oligarchic control. It lacks the baggage of the APC or PDP, which have been associated with corruption, nepotism, and patronage politics.
The coalition moves their efforts under the ADC banner. They send a clear message: This is not just a merger of power seekers. It is a rebranding of purpose.
There is strategic logic as well. ADC already has presence across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It offers flexibility in candidate selection. The party has a clean slate to restructure its processes. This is done in line with the values of competence, compassion, and capability that Obi champions.
ALSO READ:
From Fragmentation to Fusion: Bridging Nigeria’s Political Tribes
For decades, Nigeria’s elections have mirrored its ethnic fault lines. Political parties have functioned more like regional pressure groups than national institutions. The North often votes differently from the South; the East remains politically isolated; and the Middle Belt feels neglected.
The coalition brings David Mark (Middle Belt), Aregbesola (South West), and Obi (South East/South South influence) together under one umbrella. It may be possible that it has the potential to transcend tribal sentiment. The impression is that the goal is to build a unified narrative around issues—not identity.
It signals maturity in opposition politics, where ideological alignment is beginning to matter more than regional loyalty. We need to dislodge the structures that “keep our people in poverty and insecurity,” as Obi puts it. This effort now requires inclusive national coordination.
Will Nigerians Believe Again?
The Nigerian electorate is understandably weary. They’ve seen promises made and broken. From the dashed hopes of the “Fresh Air” campaign in 2011, to the disillusionment of the “Change” agenda in 2015, and the underperformance of “Renewed Hope” in 2023, many feel Nigeria is caught in a loop of recycled disappointment.
But this new coalition feels different—not merely because of its actors, but because of its timing and tone. The language of sacrifice and shared vision, as emphasized in Peter Obi’s post, reflects a deeper moral awakening.
Yet, hope alone won’t suffice. Nigerians will need to see action. Beyond online declarations, the coalition must begin grassroot mobilization now. They need to focus on registering voters and defending democracy. Building ward structures is essential, along with engaging religious and traditional leaders. Additionally, they should present a clear economic and social blueprint.
What Must This Coalition Get Right?
- Transparency of Intentions
Nigerians deserve to know the terms of this coalition. They need to understand how candidates will emerge. It is important to know what zoning formula will be used. Additionally, what mechanisms are in place to prevent betrayal. - Unified Messaging
A consistent narrative must be maintained. Mixed signals or internal squabbles can fracture public trust. - Policy-Driven Campaigning
Rather than rely on personality cults, the coalition should develop a clear manifesto—highlighting reforms in security, education, economy, and restructuring. - Youth and Diaspora Inclusion
With over 70% of Nigerians under 35, the coalition must genuinely integrate youth and diaspora expertise. They should not be included merely as foot soldiers but as candidates and policy thinkers. - Defensive Strategy Against State Capture
The 2023 elections showed the risks of manipulation and suppression. Legal, media, and civil society arms of the coalition must prepare early to protect votes.
A New Nigeria is Possible—But It Requires More Than Slogans
Peter Obi’s popular phrase, “A New Nigeria is POssible,” encapsulates the dream of millions. But for that dream to become a national reality, every bridge must be reinforced with trust, vision, and humility.
This new alliance is not perfect. It may not even be fully settled yet. But for the first time in recent history, it feels like a deliberate effort—not merely a reactionary one. Experienced statesmen like David Mark and Aregbesola are anchoring it. Obi serves as a symbol of futuristic governance. The ADC coalition has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s political destiny.
What remains is to move beyond declarations to grassroots momentum, and beyond electoral dreams to institutional reform.
Conclusion: Nigeria at a Tipping Point
2027 may well be Nigeria’s most consequential election since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The country faces mounting debt. Youth unemployment rates are high. There is significant insecurity. Additionally, there is a loss of faith in the government. As a result, the country teeters on the edge of social and economic fragility.
But from that fragility may rise a new force. It is born not of rage, but of reason. It comes not from tribal calculation, but national collaboration. This ADC-led coalition, if nurtured well, may offer Nigeria its last peaceful chance to self-correct.
And just maybe, this time, a new Nigeria might not just be a slogan—it could become a legacy.
