Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has dismissed the growing momentum of the newly formed opposition coalition, arguing that internal rivalries and personal ambitions could derail its effectiveness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Omisore suggested that the coalition’s unity is merely superficial, warning that the ambition of multiple key figures—many of whom are eyeing the presidency—could create friction.
“Everyone wants to be president,” Omisore said during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television program aired on Wednesday.
When asked whether he was concerned about the alliance, which includes prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, Omisore remained unfazed.
“No, I’m not worried at all. Because there are ‘Ox’ among them—everyone has the same goal,” he said, referencing the power dynamics within the group.
“After that meeting, Obi said he wants to be president, Atiku said the same, Rotimi said the same thing, and Aminu Tambuwal too. So how are we sure they’ll stay together? Let’s watch and see. Politics isn’t mathematics; it’s reality.”
The former APC scribe argued that the opposition figures, despite their political weight, have previously failed to stop the APC from winning national elections—even in their own states.
“The bulk of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) now comprises former PDP members—about 85 percent. Yet, Amaechi lost Rivers, El-Rufai lost Kaduna, we didn’t win Anambra or Edo—still, APC secured national victory. So these numbers don’t necessarily add up.”
While acknowledging that the coalition may appear formidable on the surface, Omisore said it could ultimately serve as a distraction to its members.
“To an extent, it’ll keep them busy. But as they’re getting busier, we’ll reassess our strategies and find the best ways to outmaneuver them. It’s good they’ve come together. At least they’ll be occupied with something.”
Backdrop: The July 2 opposition meeting
Omisore’s comments follow a significant opposition meeting held on July 2 at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where key political players converged to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unifying platform to challenge the APC in 2027.
During the event, ADC founder Ralph Nwosu symbolically handed over the party’s membership card to former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who were named interim national chairman and secretary of the coalition, respectively.
The gathering was attended by a cross-section of political heavyweights, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Dele Momodu, Emeka Ihedioha, Dino Melaye, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
While some analysts see the coalition as a potential game-changer ahead of 2027, others—like Omisore—have cast doubt on its cohesion and long-term viability.
