ADC’s Ibrahim Khalil Outlines Conditions for 2027 Victory, Amid Internal Rifts Over Coalition Strategy

Malam Ibrahim Khalil, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections, has expressed strong optimism about the party’s chances in 2027—provided three critical conditions are met.

In an exclusive interview with Nigeria News 247 on Wednesday, Khalil said the ADC has the potential to emerge victorious at both national and state levels if internal unity is maintained and external support is mobilized effectively.

“For ADC to succeed in 2027, three things must happen,” Khalil stated. “First, the new entrants into the party must fully support the existing leadership and grassroots structures. Second, if the grievances Nigerians are expressing are genuine, then they must back this movement. And third, if the APC fails to reform itself and continues along its current trajectory, then we will defeat them—without a doubt.”

Opportunity in Kano Amid Rivalry and Divisions

Commenting on Kano State’s political terrain—currently dominated by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—Khalil highlighted persistent partisan divisions as an opening for the ADC to present a united and people-focused alternative.

“The disunity caused by the PDP, APC, and now the NNPP among Kano citizens is our opportunity,” he said. “If the people of Kano are truly ready for change, they must reject the agendas that divide them. The ADC is not here to stoke conflict—we are here to offer a genuine, people-oriented platform.”

Khalil’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions over the Kano Emirate dispute. The NNPP-led state government continues to support the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, while the opposition APC, aligned with former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, backs the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. The dispute has further polarized the state’s political atmosphere.

Internal Discontent Within ADC Over Coalition Strategy

While the ADC is gaining national traction following its adoption by a broad opposition coalition, internal dissent has emerged over the party’s strategic direction. A faction within the ADC has raised concerns over the influx of political heavyweights from rival parties without adequate consultation.

In a statement released by Isa Musa Matara, spokesperson for the dissenting group, the faction alleged that key stakeholders were sidelined during negotiations to adopt the ADC as the opposition’s common platform for 2027.

Despite the internal rift, opposition leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the ADC during a high-level meeting held Wednesday in Abuja. In a major restructuring move, the party’s national leadership formally stepped down, handing over to former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.

As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the ADC finds itself at a crossroads—navigating both opportunity and internal challenge as it attempts to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.