2027 Election: List of 7 Coalition Leaders Reportedly Interested in Tinubu’s Seat Emerges

According to NewsVista reports, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has become the unexpected battleground for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, with seven heavyweight politicians from rival backgrounds now vying to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ralph Nwosu, former ADC chairman and a key figure in the opposition coalition, revealed that leaders from the newly formed alliance are being urged by loyal supporters to contest. The coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, unveiled the ADC as its political platform during a high-level meeting in Abuja on July 2, 2025.

Nwosu confirmed that the selection process will be transparent and competitive. “This is democracy in action,” he told NewsVista, adding that every name on the list—from Atiku to Obi—has their own camp pushing them forward.

Among the names floated are:

• Atiku Abubakar – Nigeria’s former vice president and serial presidential contender since 1992.

• Peter Obi – Popular among Nigeria’s youth, known for his reformist image and strong online following.

• Nasir El-Rufai – The fiery ex-governor of Kaduna, who recently dumped the APC.

• Rotimi Amaechi – Former transport minister and Rivers governor, a close runner-up in APC’s 2022 primaries.

• Rauf Aregbesola – Former Osun governor and interior minister, now ADC’s interim national secretary.

• Sule Lamido – Ex-Jigawa governor and foreign affairs minister with deep PDP roots.

• Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi – 2023 ADC governorship candidate in Oyo, and a medical doctor-turned-politician.

Nwosu also hinted at possible internal alignment within the old ADC bloc behind Ajadi, showing the race may not be entirely dominated by national figures.

Meanwhile, sources within the coalition told NewsVista that northern political powerbrokers may be rallying behind Peter Obi for a one-term consensus candidacy, a move seen as both symbolic and strategic.

While critics from the ruling APC, including Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, have dismissed the coalition as “disorganized,” insiders say talks are intensifying with at least five sitting governors.

As 2027 inches closer, the ADC is fast transforming from a minor party to the unlikely engine behind Nigeria’s biggest opposition push since 2015.