Tag: Third force

  • Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    In an update published by The Punch, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed claims that he might withdraw from the contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, insisting he remains committed to the race.

    Through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling APC of attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of opposition coalitions and urged Nigerians to resist moves aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported the stance, noting Atiku’s rejection of calls to step aside and pointing to heightened interest in the ADC following recent political realignments.

    Echotitbits take: Atiku’s refusal to step aside sets up a high‑stakes internal contest. Peter Obi may bring youth momentum, while Atiku brings structure and experience—how the party manages competing ambitions will shape whether it unifies or fractures ahead of 2027.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/adc-presidential-ticket-no-one-is-stepping-down-atiku/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    According to Legit NG, the formal defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered a massive wave of new memberships and a reshuffling of political alliances ahead of the 2027 cycle. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that the party has seen an influx of lawmakers and grassroots supporters since the announcement.

    The ‘Obi factor’ is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the opposition, as the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative to the PDP and APC. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to a broader coalition of ‘third-force’ parties seeking to challenge the current administration’s grip on power.

    The story was also covered by Premium Times and The Punch. Premium Times reported on the ‘ADC ticket battle’ as other prominent figures begin to eye the party’s platform, while The Punch noted that ‘Obi’s formal defection boosted the party’s membership,’ quoting senior party officials on the strategic importance of the move.

    Echotitbits take: Peter Obi remains the most disruptive force in Nigerian politics. His move to the ADC suggests he is building a new structure early to avoid the last-minute logistics issues that hampered his 2023 run. The influx of lawmakers indicates that ‘Obidients’ are now focused on building legislative power alongside the presidency.
    Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/adc-membership-swells-after-obis-defection/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane

    Obi’s ADC talks deepen as opposition parties jockey for a 2027 coalition lane

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to PUNCH, discussions around Peter Obi potentially aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified as the party plans a convention and opposition actors reposition ahead of 2027.

    Analysts say the move—if it materialises—would reflect a broader scramble to consolidate structures, ballot access, and negotiating power across rival opposition blocs.

    The ADC has presented itself as an organising platform for coalition talks, though details of timelines and agreements remain fluid.

    PUNCH’s political desk flagged the convention as a key milestone that could shape coalition bargaining going into 2027.

    Echotitbits take: Coalition politics is about structure, not slogans. Watch whether ADC can unify factions, secure credible primaries, and avoid the fragmentation that weakened past “third force” efforts.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025

    https://punchng.com/obi-set-to-join-adc-as-party-plans-convention/