A broad coalition of opposition leaders in Nigeria has formed the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 presidential election. This coalition brings together heavyweight politicians from across the country and political spectrum, aiming to provide a unified alternative platform.
Prominent Coalition Leaders and Likely Presidential Candidates
Based on recent coalition activities, meetings, and leadership roles, the following individuals are widely seen as possible presidential candidates for the ADA in 2027:
- Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President and perennial presidential contender, Atiku is a central figure in the coalition and is seen as a leading candidate for the ADA ticket. - Peter Obi
Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Obi’s inclusion in the coalition makes him a strong contender, especially given his popularity among youth and urban voters. - Nasir El-Rufai
Former Governor of Kaduna State and ex-minister, El-Rufai is a key architect of the coalition and could emerge as a candidate, particularly if the coalition seeks a northern flagbearer. - Rotimi Amaechi
Former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transport, Amaechi chairs the coalition’s platform committee and is a prominent southern figure who could be considered for the ticket. - Umar Ardo
Convener of the League of Northern Democrats and a visible member of the coalition’s leadership structure. - David Mark
Former Senate President, currently chairing the coalition, and could be considered for either the presidential or vice-presidential slot. - Other Notable Figures
- Babachir Lawal (former Secretary to the Government of the Federation)
- Abubakar Malami (former Attorney General)
- Adolphus Wabara (former Senate President)
- Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed (Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate)
- Captain Idris Wada (former Governor of Kogi State)
- Senator Ben Obi
- Bolaji Abdullahi (former Minister of Youth Development)
Additional Names in Permutations
- Goodluck Jonathan
There is speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan as a possible consensus candidate, especially if the coalition seeks a southern flagbearer who is limited to a single term, but his participation remains uncertain. - Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Former Kano Governor and NNPP leader, Kwankwaso has been mentioned in coalition permutations, though his participation or alignment is not confirmed at this stage.
Summary Table: Potential ADA Presidential Candidates for 2027
| Name | Background/Role | Coalition Role/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Atiku Abubakar | Former Vice President; PDP leader | Coalition spearhead |
| Peter Obi | 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate | Key coalition member |
| Nasir El-Rufai | Former Governor, Kaduna; ex-minister | Coalition architect |
| Rotimi Amaechi | Former Governor, Rivers; ex-minister | Committee chair |
| Umar Ardo | League of Northern Democrats convener | Coalition leader |
| David Mark | Former Senate President | Coalition chair |
| Goodluck Jonathan | Former President | Speculative candidate |
| Rabiu Kwankwaso | Former Governor, Kano; NNPP leader | Speculative candidate |
| Others (Lawal, Malami, Wabara, Baba-Ahmed, Wada, Ben Obi, Abdullahi) | Various senior political roles | Coalition stakeholders |
Conclusion
The ADA coalition is still in its formative stage and has not formally nominated a presidential candidate. However, the most likely contenders, based on their leadership roles and political stature, are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi. Goodluck Jonathan and Rabiu Kwankwaso are also mentioned in political permutations, but their actual involvement remains speculative. The eventual candidate will likely emerge from this group, depending on coalition negotiations, zoning arrangements, and internal primaries.
