JUST IN: Bala Mohammed, Makinde, Senator Dickson, NDC allegedly Plot Alliance With ADC To Oust Tinubu

Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and Senator Seriake DicksonFile Photo: Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and Senator Seriake Dickson

Fresh political realignments may be underway ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is reportedly holding discussions with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in a bid to strengthen an emerging opposition coalition.

Sources within the ADC disclosed that the alliance efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a formidable political platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to insiders, the ADC has opened negotiations with key figures within the NDC, including former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, as well as other political leaders.

One source told Sunday PUNCH that some members of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could soon align with the NDC.

The source explained that the move is aimed at revitalising the party as a stronger opposition force ahead of the next elections.

Another senior figure within the ADC, who spoke anonymously, said the emerging political arrangement would allow opposition leaders to negotiate collectively with the ADC.

“We have established that Makinde and Dickson are not working for President Bola Tinubu. Some other PDP leaders with Makinde will also move to the NDC. That will make the party a strong opposition platform, and they will use it to negotiate with the ADC as a bloc instead of as individuals,” the source said.

The source also claimed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was hesitant about defecting to the APC because of his association with leaders involved in the emerging opposition alliance.

“As a matter of fact, that is the reason Bala is hesitating in his defection to the APC. He is with them—Kwankwaso, Makinde and Dickson. All of them are key politicians, and they are our allies,” the source added.

The ADC insider further said the coalition’s ultimate objective is to build a strong political movement capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“Our collective objective is to bring an end to Tinubu’s administration, which has pushed millions of Nigerians below the poverty line with its bad policies. Whatever it takes, we must work together and accommodate one another’s interests,” the source stated.

However, the ruling APC has downplayed the political significance of the emerging alliance and the rumoured defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the ADC.

The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, said the former Kano State governor does not pose a serious threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“Kwankwaso is free to move to any party he wants. That is the beauty of democracy. But he is not a threat to us, nor to President Tinubu’s second term,” Basiru said.

He questioned Kwankwaso’s political influence, pointing out that the former governor had limited electoral success in the last election.

“How many governors does he have? How many members of the Houses of Assembly? Let him go. Democracy is about contest; he is free to go anywhere,” he said.

Basiru added that the APC remained focused on governance and was not worried about potential defections by opposition politicians.