ABUJA – Fresh cracks may be emerging within the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following reports that former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, angrily walked out of the Abuja residence of former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, after allegedly being asked to step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sources close to the meeting disclosed that the closed-door discussion, attended by influential opposition figures, was aimed at resolving lingering leadership and presidential ticket issues within the coalition that recently adopted the ADC as its political platform.
The meeting reportedly became tense after Amaechi was urged to shelve his presidential ambition in support of Atiku as a possible consensus candidate for the opposition bloc.
Amaechi was said to have rejected the proposal outright before abruptly leaving the gathering, an action that has intensified speculation over widening divisions within the coalition.
Though neither Amaechi nor David Mark has officially commented on the incident, the development has triggered fresh debate over the fragile unity of the opposition alliance ahead of the next general election.
The ADC coalition had earlier projected an image of cohesion after key opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai adopted the party as a common platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
David Mark had also previously insisted that the ADC had no preferred presidential aspirant and would allow a transparent process for all contenders.
However, recent political developments have exposed underlying rivalries within the coalition, especially over zoning, consensus arrangements and control of the party structure.
Political observers say the reported disagreement between Amaechi and Atiku’s camp may further complicate efforts to build a united opposition front capable of confronting the APC in 2027.
The coalition has in recent months battled internal disputes, legal challenges and growing distrust among stakeholders, with some prominent figures already distancing themselves from the alliance.
Analysts believe the latest development may test the credibility of the ADC’s promise to present a united alternative to Nigerians during Ibadan meeting last month, particularly as presidential hopefuls intensify consultations ahead of the party’s expected primary election process.
