ABUJA, July 26, 2025 — The race for 2027 has taken a dramatic turn as Northern political juggernauts Abubakar Malami (SAN), Nasir El-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal emerge at the heart of a fast-growing coalition built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The trio—once central pillars in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—are now fueling a bold realignment in Northern Nigeria’s political structure, with eyes fixed firmly on the presidency and national power redistribution. The National Political Consultative Group (North), currently meeting in Abuja under the chairmanship of Babachir Lawal, is driving the movement.
The consultative forum, described by insiders as “historic,” is focused on crafting a united Northern agenda amid deepening insecurity, economic decline, and widespread disillusionment with the Tinubu-led administration.
🔹 ADC Officially Adopted
At its previous sitting, the group unanimously adopted the ADC as the political platform through which it will pursue its 2027 ambitions. Today’s meeting is building upon that decision, with conversations around grassroots mobilization, coalition-building, and candidate selection underway behind closed doors.
According to sources, the meeting has drawn together a wide range of stakeholders—including former governors, senators, youth leaders, and traditional rulers—determined to reposition the North and challenge the current imbalance in the Nigerian federation.
🔹 Malami and El-Rufai: Strategic Realignment
Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General, shocked the APC establishment earlier this month by publicly exiting the party and joining the ADC, criticizing what he described as “total failure of governance.” He emphasized the need for a national rebirth anchored on justice and merit.
El-Rufai, a former Kaduna governor and founding member of the APC, had earlier defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and has since become a key face in the broader opposition front—frequently appearing at ADC coalition events alongside Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and David Mark.
🔹 Babachir's Call for Unity
In his opening remarks at today’s forum, Chairman Babachir Lawal called for unity among Northern stakeholders, urging political, religious, and traditional leaders to come together to confront the pressing challenges facing the region.
> “This is not the time for division,” Babachir said. “Our region is bleeding—from insecurity to poverty to marginalization. We must come together, regardless of party or ethnicity, and chart a course that restores dignity and prosperity to Northern Nigeria.”
His message was warmly received by participants, many of whom acknowledged that only a united North can meaningfully influence national discourse in the run-up to 2027.
🔹 Rising Coalition Power
Observers note that the ADC’s coalition drive—now spearheaded by political figures who once dominated the APC—could significantly reshape the 2027 electoral map. With additional backing from Southern leaders like Rauf Aregbesola, and with David Mark now serving as interim chairman of the ADC, momentum is clearly building.
Also in the mix are strategic influencers like General Aliyu Gusau and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who are reportedly working behind the scenes to stitch together a national grand alliance.
A formal communiqué is expected at the end of the meeting, but signs are clear: Northern Nigeria is reorganizing—with Malami, El-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal at the forefront of what could be the most consequential political reshuffle since the 2013 merger that birthed the APC.
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