A wave of political momentum swept through Abuja as former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha joined a formidable lineup of political leaders at the Yar’Adua Centre for a pivotal media conference convened by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The convergence marks one of the most significant opposition coalitions in recent Nigerian history, fueling speculations of a coordinated political rebirth ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the key figures present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), who now serves as the interim national chairman of ADC. The event attracted national attention for its rare blend of ideologically divergent leaders sharing a united stage.
The conference, themed “National Rebirth and Democratic Realignment,” is expected to kickstart what political insiders are calling a “third-force realignment” to counter the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Notably, top stalwarts from the PDP, LP, SDP, and ADC — previously seen as fragmented — appear ready to challenge entrenched political norms with one voice.
A twist to the event occurred when the original venue, Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, abruptly cancelled the ADC’s booking just hours before kickoff. The hotel management cited “internal compliance issues,” but sources within the ADC suggest political pressure may have influenced the move. Media mogul Dele Momodu sparked further public discourse by sharing a screenshot of the cancellation on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the venue switch to the Yar’Adua Centre, the event’s intensity remained undiminished. Speakers one after another emphasized the urgency of rebuilding Nigeria’s political framework, calling for accountability, electoral reforms, youth engagement, and national unity beyond tribal and partisan divides.
Observers believe this gathering signals a growing appetite for collaboration across political camps previously divided by ambition, rivalry, and regional interests. “Nigeria cannot afford isolated opposition anymore,” Ihedioha reportedly remarked in a closed-door strategy session. “This is not about who runs, but how we rescue Nigeria.”
With just over 18 months to the 2027 elections, the conference may well go down as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political trajectory — an early step in what could become the most competitive political race in decades.
