Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has weighed in on the newly formed opposition coalition that is mounting a challenge against the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections. While he affirmed that such alliances are a democratic necessity, he remained skeptical of their long‑term prospects.
Speaking after voting in the Lagos local government elections in Surulere, Gbajabiamila praised the emergence of a coalition platform as a positive development for Nigeria’s political landscape. “In any functioning democracy, you need an opposition. Without one, you risk slipping into a one‑party state,” he noted
However, Gbajabiamila expressed doubt over whether this coalition—now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—can realistically unseat the presidency. “It may be good for democracy,” he acknowledged. “But I’m not convinced they will gain traction, especially considering the President’s strong performance,” he added .
The opposition coalition, officially gathered on July 2 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, formalized the ADC as their shared political vehicle. At that event, former Senate President David Mark was named interim National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State, was appointed interim National Secretary
