Politics

Zoning Tensions Threaten Unity of ADC-Led Opposition Coalition as 2027 Ambitions Rise

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 5th, 2025.

Zoning Tensions Threaten Unity of ADC-Led Opposition Coalition as 2027 Ambitions Rise

The newly formed opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces early signs of internal discord, as political heavyweights begin positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential ticket. The emerging friction centers on one key issue: which region of the country should produce the coalition’s candidate.

In recent days, headlines have been dominated by the coalition’s unveiling—a bold political alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the next general elections. The ADC, now rebranded as a rallying point for disgruntled opposition figures, has brought together some of the biggest names in Nigerian politics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, both of whom were top contenders in the 2023 race.

Also joining the movement are former Senate President David Mark, ex-PDP chairman Uche Secondus, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. At the coalition’s official launch, David Mark, now serving as interim chairman, described the initiative as a rescue mission—to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent it from drifting into one-party dominance.

Yet despite the show of unity, analysts warn that deep-seated rivalries and conflicting regional interests could tear the coalition apart before it even gains traction. The major flashpoint? Zoning.

With no official candidates yet declared, speculation is already swirling. Atiku, 78, is widely expected to make another run, buoyed by loyal supporters who believe his status as a former vice president places him above the rest. For them, Atiku remains the most experienced and recognizable figure in the coalition.

Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi has signaled he’s also considering another shot at the presidency. Speaking in a televised interview, the former minister reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s power rotation tradition. Amaechi said he championed the return of power to the North in 2015 and believes the South should be allowed to complete its turn in 2027. If elected, he promised to serve just one term to maintain balance.

“I supported the North in 2015 because it was agreed. Now, the South deserves to finish its tenure,” Amaechi stated. “If given the mandate, I’ll only serve four years.”

Peter Obi, who outperformed expectations in the last election by winning 11 states and the FCT, has also made his 2027 intentions clear. Like Amaechi, he supports a single-term presidency and emphasizes leadership based on integrity and performance, not ethnicity or religion. He said the coalition offers Nigerians an opportunity to choose “competent, capable, and compassionate” leadership.

Historically, zoning has played a central role in Nigeria’s party politics. The PDP institutionalized rotational candidacy at its formation in 1998 to foster inclusion after years of regional tension. This approach saw northern politicians step back in 1999 to allow the South a turn, ultimately paving the way for Olusegun Obasanjo’s emergence as president.

The APC followed a similar path. In 2023, after President Buhari’s eight-year term, party leaders pushed for a southern candidate—leading to Bola Tinubu’s eventual nomination and victory. Barring any surprises, Tinubu is expected to retain the APC ticket in 2027.

As the ADC-led coalition prepares for the uphill battle of taking on the ruling APC, its immediate challenge lies in selecting a candidate that reflects national unity—without unraveling the alliance over zoning disagreements. With prominent figures like Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi eyeing the same prize, resolving the north-south rotation question could determine whether the coalition holds—or crumbles under competing ambitions.