By Abiola Olawale
A coalition of opposition parties spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has
denied media reports that it has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.
Atiku’s coalition declared that while ongoing talks for a united opposition have intensified, a consensus on the political platform that will lead the coalition’s efforts has yet to be reached.
This statement comes amid swirling speculations and intensifying political manoeuvres as opposition leaders aim to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports had emerged that Atiku alongside Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have concluded months of discussions to unite under the ADC banner.
The reports suggested a significant breakthrough in opposition unity, with the ADC poised to serve as the coalition’s vehicle to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
However, the Atiku-led coalition, through key member Salihu Moh Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman, swiftly debunked these claims.
Lukman, who is the interim spokesperson of the coalition, disclosed this in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja.
Lukman said: “The public should disregard the story, as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken.
“Also false is the report that the coalition has adopted the ADC at its meeting of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.”
According to him, the truth is that negotiations among all the coalition leaders are progressing very well, and final decisions about the political platform for the 2027 election will be taken soon.
“Unfortunately, there appear to be some mischief makers promoting and planting stories in the media with the clear aim of sowing seeds of discord among coalition leaders.
“The public and the media should please disregard all these mischievous stories.
“Once negotiations are concluded, a formal announcement will be made by the leaders of the coalition.”
