Sam Ohuabunwa, a former presidential aspirant, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition has the potential to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election. Ohuabunwa, speaking in a recent interview, laid out a compelling argument for the viability of the coalition, which he believes could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Ohuabunwa, who ran for president in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pointed to the divisive impact of internal party splits on the PDP, leading to the unimpeded rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power. He emphasized that the exit of key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the PDP provided the APC with a significant advantage in the 2023 presidential election. “If you add what Atiku got to what Obi and Kwankwaso got, it was three to one,” Ohuabunwa said, referring to the combined votes of these opposition leaders.
According to Ohuabunwa, the ADC coalition is essentially an attempt to reunite the political forces that were fractured before the 2023 elections. He pointed to the large vote share garnered by the trio—Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso—which collectively surpassed Tinubu’s total votes by more than double. With these influential figures now regrouping, Ohuabunwa believes the ADC could pose a serious challenge to the APC in the 2027 race.
The politician further highlighted that the success of this coalition hinges on whether the ruling party allows space for the opposition to thrive. He remarked, “The possibility is there. Look at the votes Obi, Atiku, and Kwankwaso got in the 2023 election – those votes quadrupled that of President Tinubu.”
Despite his optimism, Ohuabunwa acknowledged the challenges ahead for the ADC, notably the APC’s reluctance to allow a formidable opposition. “It’s quite clear the APC does not want the coalition to thrive. They don’t want it to bear fruit,” he said, stressing the importance of free and fair elections in ensuring a level playing field for all political actors.
Regarding recent political developments, Ohuabunwa also commented on the arrest of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). While the EFCC cited an investigation into money laundering, Ohuabunwa speculated that the timing of the arrest could have been politically motivated. “This is obviously politically motivated,” he said, pointing to the selective nature of such actions against opposition figures.
On the state of Nigeria’s economy, Ohuabunwa expressed deep concern about the disconnect between the country’s growing oil revenue and the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Where is the evidence of the money we are saving from fuel subsidy removal and deregulation of the dollar? It’s not reflecting in the lives of ordinary people,” he remarked, calling for a more impactful use of Nigeria’s economic gains to improve living standards.
The former presidential hopeful also spoke about the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East region, where over 1,800 lives have been lost to violent crime, according to Amnesty International. He blamed the failure of governance at all levels for allowing criminal elements to flourish. “The government has the power and resources to stem insecurity, but unfortunately, they’ve allowed bandits to take over,” he said.
Read Also: Kwankwaso Denies APC Return Letter
He suggested that a non-kinetic approach, similar to the one used to quell militancy in the Niger Delta during the presidency of Umaru Yar’Adua, could help resolve the insecurity in the South-East. “Ideology doesn’t die; you can’t kill it,” he said, advocating for dialogue with the aggrieved parties.
Ohuabunwa also responded to reports that a Canadian court had declared the APC and PDP as terrorist organizations. “I do not align myself with that ruling,” he said, calling it an overreach. “Political platforms that bring leaders to power cannot be described as terrorist organizations.”
As Ohuabunwa celebrates his 75th birthday, he reflected on his journey through the challenging Nigerian political landscape. “It’s God’s extraordinary grace,” he said of his longevity, noting that regular health checkups and a focus on stress management have played a key role in his health. “It’s important to save money, but you have to maintain a balance to hold your relevance intact,” he added, urging the government to focus on improving the quality of life for Nigerians, not just saving money for the future.
In conclusion, Ohuabunwa urged Nigerians to look towards the ADC coalition as a viable alternative to the APC and PDP, calling for stronger opposition to ensure that democracy remains robust and responsive to the needs of the people.
