. Coalition, Fortress of Revived Democracy—Mark
By Our Correspondent
In a strategic move to outmaneuver former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and secure the 2027 presidential ticket of the opposition coalition, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has submitted a one-term proposal that could tilt the balance in his favour.
Obi’s proposal, confirmed on Tuesday by Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, is designed to win over both the coalition leadership and public sentiment. The former Anambra State governor has pledged to serve a single four-year term if elected president, a promise Tanko says reflects Obi’s “integrity and commitment to urgent national transformation.”
The one-term pledge is also aimed at maintaining Nigeria’s fragile regional power balance. With the presidency currently held by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a southerner, there is a strong expectation that it will remain in the South until 2031. Obi’s proposal would allow the South to complete its expected eight-year tenure before returning power to the North—without disrupting existing political calculations.
In contrast, Atiku—widely seen as Obi’s main rival within the coalition—has also signaled a willingness to serve only one term. Sources familiar with his internal pitch say Atiku’s camp has floated a similar single-term offer, with the possibility of choosing Obi as his running mate to appease southern interests. This sets up a high-stakes rivalry over who will lead the opposition under the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner.
The coalition—championed by political heavyweights such as Atiku, former Senate President David Mark, Tinubu’s former ally, Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers Governor and two-term minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, among others— is expected to scrutinize all proposals carefully and reach a decision quickly. With electioneering expected to begin in earnest by next year, observers note that time is running out for deal-making and alliance-building.
“This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity,” Tanko said of Obi’s offer. “Peter Obi embodies that. He believes four years is more than enough to transform Nigeria and rescue the economy from collapse.”
Tanko noted that stabilizing electricity alone, one of Obi’s top priorities, would drastically improve the nation’s economic fortunes. “He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty,” he said.
In a bid to expand his appeal in the North—where he underperformed in 2023—Obi recently accepted a traditional title from the Pantami community in Gombe State. According to Tanko, the honour reflects Obi’s growing popularity among northern voters and his expanding political reach.
“Obi is not a man who chases titles. But this one is special,” Tanko said. “It comes from a northern community recognising an Igbo man for his generosity and impact. That speaks volumes about how the North is beginning to see him differently.”
Tanko highlighted Obi’s humanitarian efforts in underserved northern communities, citing his support for borehole projects, Almajiri education, and youth entrepreneurship. “In Pantami today, there is clean water not just for people but even for our animals,” Tanko said. “Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed.”
Meanwhile, as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the new leaders of the ADC have vowed that the newly unveiled opposition coalition is more than a quest for power. Speaking at the unveiling event in Abuja, interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said the coalition is a patriotic mission to rescue Nigeria from democratic decline and creeping authoritarianism.
Mark emphasized that the coalition, made up of several prominent opposition figures, is committed to rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy and preventing the country’s descent into a one-party state. “This is a journey we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland,” Mark said. He described ADC as a “fortress of revived democracy” and the new home for all patriots committed to unity, rule of law, and good governance.
The event, which had been initially scheduled for the Wells Carlton Hotel, was abruptly cancelled by the hotel management citing an “internal compliance matter.” Organisers condemned the move as an attempt to sabotage a valid agreement, but quickly relocated to the Yar’Adua Centre, where the event eventually held. The relocation, observers say, highlighted the obstacles the opposition may face in mounting a serious challenge to the ruling APC.
Among the opposition heavyweights present at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, his 2023 running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and several former ministers and National Assembly members. Former APC chairman John Oyegun and ex-IGP Mohammed Abubakar were also in attendance, signaling broad support for the new coalition across party lines.
Former ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu described the move as a new beginning, revealing that party executives had stepped down to allow Mark and former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola to lead the charge. “This is not about just winning power. It’s about positioning Nigeria for global reckoning,” Nwosu said. The event also featured the symbolic presentation of ADC membership cards to both Mark and Aregbesola, sealing their leadership roles in the historic coalition effort.