Nigeria’s opposition leaders are inching closer to adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unified platform for the 2027 elections—but TheCable exclusively reports that Nasir El-Rufai’s eleventh-hour pitch for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has forced a two-week pause. The delay reveals simmering tensions in the coalition’s strategy to unseat President Tinubu.
- Near-Consensus: ADC favored by the majority of coalition (Atiku, Obi, and allies) due to perceived neutrality. The Cable confirms a "preponderance of opinion" within the group supports this move.
- El-Rufai’s Play: The Cable reveals that the former Kaduna governor led an SDP delegation to a late-night Tuesday meeting, persuading coalition leaders to delay their ADC decision for 14 days to review SDP’s formal pitch.
- PDP Exodus: The Cable sources indicate Atiku’s camp is preparing to exit PDP amid fears of a Goodluck Jonathan resurgence, with allies believing the ex-president may secure the party’s ticket.
- Labour Party Woes: TheCable reports Obi’s imminent departure from LP as the party grapples with leadership crises.
- June Deadline: Coalition to reconvene early June for final decision, TheCable confirms this timeline through insiders.
This coalition’s success hinges on whether personal ambitions can align with strategic needs—a test Nigeria’s opposition has often failed.
