ADC Will Collapse, Obi Returning to PDP – Ali Modu Sheriff

Ali Modu Sheriff

In a bold political forecast, former Borno State Governor and APC chieftain, Ali Modu Sheriff, has declared that the recently formed opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is doomed to collapse within months due to internal power struggles among its top members.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sheriff expressed strong skepticism about the viability of the ADC, which was launched as a united political front by key figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.

“This ADC that you’re talking about, I can tell you for free, give them three months, it will die down,” Sheriff said. “All of them are presidential materials, and only one person can be a candidate.”

According to Sheriff, the ADC is already showing signs of an imminent implosion. The coalition, he argues, is heavily weighted with ambitious political heavyweights each with a strong presidential aspiration. Sheriff emphasized that this clash of interests will unravel the party’s fragile alliance before the 2027 elections.

He singled out Peter Obi, stating that credible information indicates Obi will soon abandon the ADC and return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he is expected to once again seek the presidential ticket.

“Peter Obi ran under the Labour Party and still wants to be president. Atiku has been vice president; for him, it’s the presidency or nothing,” Sheriff explained. “Information available to me is that any moment from now, Obi would go back to the PDP.”

Sheriff also questioned the political strength of the coalition members, challenging their influence at the grassroots level. “So tell me, which states do they control?” he asked, casting doubt on the ADC’s ability to build a nationwide base.

In response to growing concerns, the ADC leadership has clarified its stance on power rotation, stating that the party is not preoccupied with the often contentious issue of zoning the presidency between North and South. Instead, the coalition is focused on building a broad-based, inclusive movement that resonates with ordinary Nigerians.

The party emphasized that its priority is national cohesion and grassroots engagement, rather than sectional politics. This position seeks to appeal to a wider demographic of disillusioned voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sheriff’s comments reflect a broader skepticism among political analysts who view the ADC as a temporary alliance rather than a lasting political force. While the party boasts influential figures, questions remain about whether it can overcome internal rivalries, develop a unified vision, and mount a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As the 2027 election season slowly heats up, the realignment of political forces and ambitions will play a key role in shaping Nigeria’s future leadership. Whether the ADC can survive the pressure and offer a credible alternative remains to be seen.

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