The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially opened its national secretariat in Abuja, marking a significant step in its preparations for the 2027 general elections. The event, held on Monday, November 17, 2025, saw notable absences of two key political figures who had been instrumental in the coalition movement that adopted the ADC earlier this year.
Prominent Absences Mark ADC Secretariat Launch
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who championed the coalition movement that adopted the ADC ahead of the 2027 election, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony. Similarly, Peter Obi, another prominent 2027 presidential hopeful who had been present when the coalition adopted the ADC, did not attend the inauguration of the party's national headquarters.
The new ADC secretariat is located in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, strategically positioning the party in Nigeria's political nerve center as it gears up for the next electoral cycle.
Key Figures Present at Historic Event
The event was led by David Mark, former President of the Nigerian Senate and current national chairman of the ADC. He was accompanied by several high-profile political figures including:
- Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State
- Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State
- Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation
- Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- Dino Melaye, former Senator
During his address, Mark urged party members to remain focused on their preparations for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the importance of unity and strategic planning.
Social Media Reactions and Political Implications
The absence of Atiku and Obi sparked immediate reactions on social media platforms. Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi took to Twitter to declare that the opposition is ready to "rise and shine" in the 2027 elections, sharing pictures from the event that generated significant engagement from supporters.
One user, Kabieeer, commented on the party's presidential ticket possibilities: "Looks like ADC will fly with an Atiku/Amaechi mandate! Now, does that mean Peter Obi will revert to Labour Party or he will run with Yele Sowore under AAC?"
Another user, Olusegun Nelson, offered criticism: "You people aren't ready. It's as though there's little or no effort to lure governors or other political top bananas into the party. Maybe 2027 isn't close to you people yet."
The event represents a crucial milestone for the ADC, which was officially adopted as the political platform of the coalition movement in July 2025. The presence of former governors and senior political figures suggests the party is positioning itself as a significant force in Nigeria's evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
