2027 Nigerian Election: APC Faces Nigerians, Not Just Parties, Says ADC Chieftain.
Dr. Peter Okeh, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that the 2027 Nigerian presidential election will be a defining battle between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people, rather than a mere contest between political parties. Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Sunday, Okeh highlighted the growing momentum of a coalition movement, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the current socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
Okeh attributed the coalition’s rising support to the economic hardships, insecurity, and governance issues that have plagued Nigeria under the APC’s leadership. He described the coalition as a “formidable force” aimed at rescuing the country’s democracy from what he called “abject poverty, extreme hunger, monumental corruption, insecurity, and state capture” perpetuated by the ruling government. The ADC chieftain dismissed suggestions that the coalition’s primary focus is to target the APC, instead emphasising that the movement reflects the collective frustration of Nigerians across all walks of life.
“The next election will be unlike any other—it will pit the APC against all suffering Nigerians, both at home and abroad,” Okeh stated, underscoring the determination of citizens to safeguard their votes. “This time, Nigerians will protect their votes, and no one will be given a free ride to rig the election as they did in the past.”
Okeh expressed strong support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, as the ideal leader for the coalition. He argued that Obi’s widespread appeal, bolstered by the grassroots Obidient Movement, positions him as the best candidate to lead the charge in 2027. “I firmly believe Mr. Peter Obi is the best person to head the coalition. He has all it takes to win the election. Politics is local, and Peter Obi has solid grassroots followers,” Okeh said.
He further noted that Obi has expanded his outreach since the 2023 election, travelling extensively across Nigeria to connect with citizens. “He has learned valuable lessons from the 2023 experience, and the political landscape has shifted. Nigerians are now more united against the current government than ever before,” Okeh added.
The ADC chieftain also highlighted regional considerations, pointing out that many Nigerians would oppose any move to prevent the southern part of the country from completing an eight-year presidential tenure, which has become a norm in Nigerian politics. “Nigerians will be uncomfortable if the south is not allowed to complete this cycle,” he said, suggesting that regional sentiment could play a significant role in shaping voter preferences.
Okeh’s remarks come amid growing political realignments, with the ADC emerging as the platform for a coalition of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The coalition, unveiled on 2 July 2025 at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general election. Despite internal challenges within the ADC, including criticism from some party members over the leadership transition, the coalition is positioning itself as a beacon of hope for Nigerians seeking change.
As economic hardship, rising unemployment, and insecurity continue to fuel public discontent, particularly in urban centres like Lagos and Port Harcourt, the 2027 election is shaping up to be a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. The ADC’s coalition, with its focus on uniting opposition forces, hopes to capitalise on this sentiment to challenge the APC’s dominance. However, analysts warn that the coalition must articulate a clear ideological framework and avoid internal divisions to present a credible alternative to the ruling party.
With key battleground states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, and Adamawa likely to determine the election’s outcome, the ADC’s ability to mobilise voters and maintain unity will be crucial. For now, Okeh’s bold prediction underscores a growing sentiment: the 2027 election may not just be about political parties, but about Nigerians demanding a new direction for their country.