Activist Deji Adeyanju Withdraws Enthusiasm for ADC Coalition, Urges Goodluck Jonathan to Lead Southern Opposition [VIDEO]

 

Human rights lawyer and political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed a deep sense of disappointment over what he describes as the dwindling prospects of the recently formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Once vocal in his support for the new movement aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, Adeyanju now says that hope has all but faded.

He had initially lauded the efforts to build a formidable third-force platform capable of presenting a viable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the excitement that accompanied the early stages of the coalition’s emergence has, according to him, quickly vanished. Adeyanju now regards the coalition as lacking the depth, strategy and leadership needed to take on the well-entrenched political structure of President Tinubu.

Adeyanju made these statements through his verified social media channels, noting that he has grown skeptical of the coalition’s ability to deliver on its promise. His remarks suggest growing internal disillusionment among some of those who had hoped to harness the power of a united opposition to counter the APC’s political dominance.

He explained that although the idea of a united political front outside the two major parties was initially refreshing, it has become clear that the movement lacks substance. “I was excited about the emergence of the ADC coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027. That excitement is gone. I will not give myself false hope,” he wrote.

The activist, known for his unfiltered political commentary, also went further to weigh in on who he believes stands the best chance of defeating Tinubu in a head-to-head contest. According to Adeyanju, only one figure in Southern Nigeria possesses the stature and political gravitas to mount a serious challenge: former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Despite the mixed legacy Jonathan left behind after his presidency ended in 2015, Adeyanju sees him as the only southern politician with the national appeal, name recognition, and political network needed to pose a credible threat to the incumbent president.

“Only Goodluck Jonathan can defeat Bola Tinubu. I don’t see any other Southern candidate with the political weight to pull it off,” Adeyanju remarked, asserting that neither the Labour Party nor the ADC has a candidate capable of bridging the political and regional divides that Tinubu has so expertly navigated.

The political terrain ahead of 2027 remains uncertain, with multiple factions within the opposition still trying to gain traction. Many Nigerians continue to call for a fresh political direction that transcends party lines, but efforts to build a third force have faced numerous setbacks ranging from weak alliances to internal power struggles.

Deji Adeyanju’s latest assessment of the political landscape adds fuel to the growing concern that Nigeria’s opposition remains fragmented and unprepared for the long-term strategy required to dislodge a sitting president. The APC, under Tinubu’s leadership, has shown a willingness to consolidate power and maintain its influence across the country, further complicating the road for any challenger.

His comments come at a time when various political movements and civil society actors are re-evaluating their roles ahead of the 2027 elections. Several have advocated for the emergence of a consensus candidate from the South, someone with enough popularity and governance experience to unite the fragmented opposition and win the trust of voters across ethnic and regional lines.

Goodluck Jonathan has remained mostly quiet about any plans to return to the political arena, although his name continues to surface in political discussions. His international engagements and diplomatic roles post-presidency have kept him in the public eye, and some see him as a neutral figure capable of softening the sharp edges of Nigeria’s partisan politics.

The statement by Adeyanju may be read as a call to action for southern leaders and political stakeholders to start rallying around a figure who can command widespread support. Whether Jonathan is willing to answer that call remains to be seen.

As Nigeria looks ahead to 2027, the unfolding dynamics suggest that the road to Aso Rock may require more than just ambition and rhetoric. A clearly defined vision, an inclusive national platform, and a candidate with cross-regional respect will likely prove decisive. For now, Adeyanju has made his position clear: without Jonathan, the opposition may be heading for another political disappointment.