ADC woos opposition bigwigs with ‘secret’ committee

The leadership of the African Democratic Congress has set up a high-powered committee to engage political heavyweights in opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, Sunday PUNCH findings have revealed.

A highly credible party official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, said the committee was not limiting its engagements to any single party as the ADC was seeking to strengthen opposition collaboration before the next polls.  The development comes amid reports that top political figures from other parties, particularly the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, are being wooed by the ADC to join the party.

This follows a public statement by Kwankwaso last Saturday in Kano, where he expressed his willingness to align with any opposition coalition prepared to offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing his supporters over rumours of the defection of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, during which he outlined a number of conditions for any possible opposition alliance.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the ADC official said the party set up a committee.

“It is for proper engagements across all party ranks, though this is not something we expect to be leaked to the public,” the official added.

“We are not targeting a particular political party or individual, as we are maintaining an open dialogue platform with all of them.”

ADC rules out presidency ticket for Kwankwaso

Corroborating this, another source within the ADC told one of our correspondents that the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, made it clear to the Kwankwaso camp that no assurances could be given regarding either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Recall that in July 2025, the ADC emerged as the coalition platform adopted by opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Since then, under the leadership of former Senate President Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the party has been consolidating its structures across the country and working to earn the trust and support of Nigerians.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the party in July, followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi joined on December 31.

Party targets inclusive govt

Commenting on the coalition build-up, the ADC source said the party’s leadership was exploring the formation of an inclusive government of national unity, which would accommodate Kwankwaso and his support base through key political positions.

The source said, “Since Kwankwaso made the statement expressing his readiness and willingness to work with the ADC, the party’s leadership has also been working around the clock. It may interest you to know that the ADC is interested in bringing Kwankwaso into the party, but it is not willing to proceed on any false assumptions.

“It was clearly stated that there will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the party leadership to anyone. What the party is proposing is an inclusive cabinet and an inclusive government, where all stakeholders will have a fair share of positions.”

Another prominent leader of the party noted that while the ADC was not open to offering either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket to Kwankwaso, the party’s National Chairman, Mark, might meet the former Kano governor to discuss other terms.

“Nobody can promise anyone the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, given the current realities within the ADC. However, the National Chairman can help negotiate and discuss the sharing of positions, such as ministerial appointments, National Assembly leadership positions, and even the SGF,” the source said.

“The chairman is also expected to meet with Kwankwaso himself within the next couple of days. A committee has been set up to deliberate on these issues and quickly arrive at a resolution and agreement.

“However, the party remains optimistic that Kwankwaso will come into its fold and join others in defeating the All Progressives Congress administration.”

The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment on the committee.

He, however, said the party would leave no stone unturned to strengthen its membership and capacity.

Abdullahi said, “ADC is a party that has come to stay, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we increase our membership and remove the APC government.”

NNPP in active talks

When contacted, the NNPP Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, said his party and Kwankwaso were consulting with other parties.

He, however, did not specify whether the ADC was among them.

“I am not going to comment on that (Kwakwanso joining ADC), but what I can tell you is that consultations are ongoing. The leadership of the party, including our national leader, His Excellency Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is consulting with all relevant stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country,” Johnson said.

“We are confident that whatever decision the leadership of the NNPP and our national leader take will be in the best interest of all members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, as well as in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its citizens.

“We are therefore consulting widely and effectively, and at the appropriate time, a statement will be issued to clarify our position.”(Punch)