Politics

Names of Seven Political Leaders Aiming to Run Against Tinubu in 2027 – Ex-ADC Chairman

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 6th, 2025.

Names of Seven Political Leaders Aiming to Run Against Tinubu in 2027 – Ex-ADC Chairman

Ralph Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has revealed that at least seven influential figures within a rising political coalition are being urged by their supporters to run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

This revelation comes amid growing rumors that some northern political stakeholders within the coalition are rallying behind Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, possibly for a single-term agreement.

The opposition alliance—spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—recently designated the ADC as the official platform for its 2027 presidential bid.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Nwosu confirmed that multiple leaders within the coalition are being positioned as potential presidential contenders. He emphasized, however, that the selection of the eventual candidate would be based on an inclusive and transparent process.

Beyond Obi and Atiku, Nwosu mentioned that supporters of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), as well as those backing the ADC’s 2023 Oyo governorship candidate, Bamidele Ajadi, are all promoting their preferred choices to succeed Tinubu.

“Everyone has the freedom to support who they believe in,” he stated. “Some are calling for Aregbesola to contest, others are pushing for Dr. Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi or Amaechi. Atiku still has a strong following, and even El-Rufai and Sule Lamido are preparing their own paths.”

As someone closely involved in the coalition’s internal strategy, Nwosu affirmed that the emerging political platform values inclusiveness and democratic ideals, noting that “the old ADC might even be backing Ajadi,” which, in his view, reflects the coalition’s openness.

He also pointed out that as momentum builds, political alignments are shifting. Supporters of different presidential hopefuls are already engaging in talks and planning, even as the major parties—the PDP and APC—are reportedly seeing a steady exodus of members to the coalition.

“There’s a shared vision driving this movement,” Nwosu explained. “It goes beyond just winning power. It’s about reviving Nigeria’s status on the global stage and lifting the nation out of its current state.”

According to him, the coalition has quickly grown into a formidable force, surpassing the influence of any single party in Nigeria. “We’ve absorbed about 95% of the PDP, along with their grassroots network. From the APC, nearly 35% have joined us. As for the Labour Party, over 80% of their members are now part of this coalition,” he claimed.