the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with growing internal unease as the anticipated membership of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi remains unresolved, even as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders revealed that delays by both men and other influential political figures to formally register with the ADC have left the party’s internal direction uncertain. The situation is further complicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delay in officially recognising Senator David Mark as interim National Chairman, alongside ongoing legal disputes and limited funding.

Sources disclosed that Atiku’s decision to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a month ago without aligning with a new political platform and Obi’s continued distance amid the Labour Party’s internal crisis, have stalled momentum within the emerging coalition. Their absence, the sources warned, has discouraged other key supporters from joining the ADC, stalling the growth in membership and resources needed to mount a strong opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The coalition, which was formally launched in Abuja on March 20 and later endorsed at a July 1 meeting attended by Atiku, Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and other high-profile political leaders, had adopted the ADC as its unified platform. Despite public expressions of support, party sources confirmed that formal membership among coalition leaders remains sparse raising concern among members of the ADC National Working Committee.

Some coalition leaders allege that government-backed legal actions are contributing to INEC’s delay in recognising Senator Mark’s leadership. However, they insist that the ADC still has the structure and capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. They also stressed that attracting top-tier political figures is crucial to enhancing the party’s credibility, organisational strength, and financial viability.

Responding to reports of internal unrest, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed claims of disarray, affirming that both Atiku and Obi remain committed to the coalition’s goals. He said the party is focused on building nationwide structures, including preparations for the upcoming February FCT elections, and clarified that all required documentation with INEC has already been submitted.

Meanwhile, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed that the former Vice President has begun the process of registering with the ADC and remains fully aligned with the coalition’s mission to unseat the APC government in 2027.