12 ADC Key Members Tinubu Should Be Afraid Of

President Bola Tinubu may have survived one of the most complex election cycles in Nigeria’s recent history, but as 2027 draws near, the political chessboard is already shifting and it’s not in his favour. 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party once considered a fringe player in national politics, is rapidly becoming the rallying point for a new breed of opposition forces.

In early July, the ADC was adopted by a coalition of seasoned politicians and rising disruptors who say they are not just preparing for 2027, they are plotting a political upset. 

Their goal: unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and redraw Nigeria’s leadership map. Here are the 12 powerful figures within the ADC fold that Tinubu’s camp cannot afford to ignore.

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku remains one of the most experienced politicians in the country. With six presidential attempts under his belt, he brings a formidable network of loyalists and financiers spread across the PDP and APC. 

His deep roots in the North, ability to mobilise across regions, and strategic understanding of Nigeria’s electoral mechanics make him a central figure in the ADC coalition. If anyone understands how to chip away at APC’s northern dominance, it’s Atiku.

Peter Obi 

Peter Obi may lack traditional party structures, but what he lacks in machinery, he more than makes up for in raw support. His 2023 presidential run turned him into a national movement. 

With millions of loyal, digital-savvy youths behind him the Obidients Obi could inject life and credibility into the ADC. Should he officially cross over, his entry alone could shake the political landscape.

Rotimi Amaechi 

Amaechi is no stranger to presidential campaigns he was Buhari’s campaign director twice. Now, as a disgruntled political heavyweight with strong roots in the South-South and intelligence on APC’s playbook, he is a strategic asset for the ADC. His ability to stir tides in the oil-rich region could create real trouble for Tinubu’s hold there.

Nasir El-Rufai

Few Nigerian politicians combine brains and ruthlessness like El-Rufai. While he may be driven by political revenge against Tinubu, his influence remains vast. He knows the North-West terrain intimately and can stir trouble within APC’s base. 

Rauf Aregbesola 

Once Tinubu’s political ally, Aregbesola now represents the growing discontent within the APC, especially in the South-West. His deep connection with grassroots operatives in Lagos and Osun could give the ADC access to the ruling party’s stronghold. He’s quiet in public but active in the background and that should worry the president.

Aisha Yesufu

Yesufu may not hold a traditional political office, but her influence is undeniable. As a fiery activist and fearless critic of bad governance, her alignment with the ADC lends moral weight and youth credibility. In a country where many feel disconnected from elite politics, Yesufu brings the power of civic movement and noise to the coalition.

Dele Momodu 

Campaigns are won not just by plans but by perception. Momodu, a seasoned journalist and media mogul, understands how to craft political narratives. While he may not deliver massive votes, his role in shaping the coalition’s media strategy and public image could be key in framing Tinubu as the problem and ADC as the solution.

David Mark 

With decades of political experience and military discipline, former Senate President David Mark brings calm, maturity, and strategic oversight. As interim chairman of the ADC coalition, his leadership will be vital in keeping the different egos and interests in check. And in the volatile North-Central, his presence commands respect.

Aminu Tambuwal 

Former Sokoto governor Tambuwal is a quiet but powerful force. He has experience leading both a state and the National Assembly, and is trusted across political divides. His ability to forge alliances especially in the conservative North could help the ADC build a credible, cross-regional front.

Emeka Ihedioha

If the ADC wants national appeal, it needs the South-East, and Ihedioha offers a strategic bridge. A respected voice in the region with legislative credentials, he balances the coalition’s northern-heavy power structure and could help blunt accusations of marginalisation.

Babachir Lawal 

The former SGF turned fierce Tinubu critic is one of the most vocal northern Christian leaders today. His influence in Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, and Taraba could prove crucial in swinging faith-driven votes. Lawal doesn’t just oppose he provokes, and that could sway critical blocs.

Gabriel Suswam

Suswam’s influence in the North-Central, Nigeria’s political swing zone, is not to be dismissed. His close ties with David Mark and grassroots appeal in Benue give him the tools to help the ADC take advantage of regional discontent and push back against APC’s dominance.

Why Tinubu should worry

This isn’t just a group of politicians looking for relevance, it’s a carefully assembled coalition of former allies, frustrated insiders, movement leaders, and regional influencers with scores to settle and reputations to defend. 

Together, they pose a real threat to Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions, especially if they can present a united front.

The ADC may have once been dismissed as a side note in Nigeria’s political history, but with these names behind it, it could very well become the headline. One thing is certain: 2027 won’t be a coronation. It will be a contest.