
In a surprising yet familiar twist in Nigeria’s political theatre, a new coalition has emerged under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), promising to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections. On the surface, it seems like a bold new direction for a country in desperate need of transformation. But a closer look at the cast of characters reveals a troubling pattern.
The coalition boasts of prominent political heavyweights: former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former PDP Chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El Rufai, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senator Dino Melaye, ex-Senate President David Mark, and Mr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice-presidential candidate.
Individually, they are seasoned. Collectively, they are the establishment.
These men have all held power at various levels—executive, legislative, and party leadership—over the past two decades. During their time in office, they had ample opportunity to drive reform, address corruption, tackle insecurity, improve infrastructure, and uplift millions out of poverty. Yet today, Nigeria faces worsening insecurity, mass youth unemployment, a depreciating currency, and a broken education system. If these same individuals had wielded their past influence effectively, would Nigeria be in such a dire state?
This coalition, rather than inspiring hope, stirs skepticism. The average Nigerian citizen, weary of recycled promises, rightly asks: What exactly is new about this movement? New logo? New name? Or just new packaging for the same old politics?
The idea of a coalition is not inherently flawed. In fact, a united front of diverse political figures could have immense value—if it truly embodied fresh ideas and a break from old habits. But what we are seeing is not ideological realignment; it’s political repositioning. Many of these leaders were recently at the helm of the very parties and policies that Nigerians are now rejecting.
Even more worrisome is the absence of a clearly articulated vision from this so-called “New ADC.” Beyond the optics of unity, where is the blueprint for national development? Where is the honest introspection? Where are the bold, measurable targets for economic revival, energy reform, healthcare, and youth empowerment? Nigerians deserve specifics, not soundbites.
It’s not enough to blame the APC. Opposition is not a substitute for leadership. The collapse of trust in Nigerian politics is not just because of ruling party failures, but because the alternative often appears indistinguishable from what it seeks to replace.
If this coalition wants to be taken seriously, it must do more than rally under a new banner. It must embrace transparency, youth inclusion, policy-based engagement, and a genuine apology to Nigerians for past failures. More importantly, it must allow room for new voices—people who have not been tainted by the rot of past governance—to lead the way.
The time for political theatre is over. Nigeria is bleeding. And while experience is valuable, experience without transformation is stagnation.
Until the new ADC can prove that it is more than a retirement plan for yesterday’s leaders, the question remains:
What new are they truly bringing?
By: Godwin Offor