Heavyweights join a party, a major overhaul in Nigerian politics

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Heavyweights join a party, a major overhaul in Nigerian politics

Two of Nigeria's leading opposition leaders have joined a new party to challenge President Boratinub and his ruling party in the next election.

Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi chose the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as new politicians after breaking away from their respective parties – the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labor Party (LP).

This is one of the largest restructurings in Nigerian politics since the end of military rule in 1999.

Some political heavyweights from all the progressive conferences (APC) parties in Tinubu also left their weight behind the formation.

Why did they join forces?

The ADC announcement is the culmination of a series of talks among leaders, demanding a unified front in the 2027 election rather than a breakup vote.

Tinubu won the 2023 election after opposition supporters won 29% of Abubakar and 25% of Obi.

Obi left the PDP after the party chose Abubakar as presidential candidate.

Interim Chairman David Mark said at the ADC unveiling that it was an attempt to save the country’s democratic state and prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.

Both PDP and LP are fighting an internal crisis incited by internal forces.

Analyst Shehu Iliyasu said Abubakar and Obi are learning the lessons from the last election.

“Duatiku [Abubakar] Obi feels they are so close in 2023 and may win a joint vote, so they want to work together to modify their mistakes this time. ” he told the BBC.

Who is the main character in ADC?

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to run again in 2027 [Getty Images]

Tinubu's biggest challengers in the last election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are in the face of the alliance.

While there is a long way to go before the candidate is officially announced, political commentators predict that Abubakar, 78, will shoot again during his presidency — his fifth attempt — with former Anambra Convent Obi, a former 63-year-old former presidential draft pick.

Other political heavyweights in the league include former Senate President David Mark, who like Atiku left the PDP, former Tinubu Ally turned into enemy Nasir el-rufai and powerful ministers in the last assigned rotimi amaechi.

What are their opportunities in 2027?

Analyst Ben Kenneth said he thinks the league has a better chance than the last time he beats Tinubu.

“If you look at Atiku and Obi's performance in the last election, it's obvious that they'll win their own cooperation, so they'll win, so they realize one good thing they need for each other,” he noted.

But another analyst, Sani Hamisu, feels Tinubu, now 73, has a better chance now than in 2023.

“In Nigeria and Africa, when a leader came to office and sought a second term, he had barely lost, which is very rare, which is why I think Tinubu has a better chance now than when he was out of office in 2019,” he said.

Are the ruling party worried?

The ruling party said at least it wasn't plagued by the alliance, which was not a real threat.

Acting Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori told BBC Hausa that the alliance will not have an impact on APC.

“No one talks about the alliance except Abuja. Even in Abuja, they are in hotels and when they are defeated in the election, they will leave the country.”