The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says its website crashed three times in one week due to a massive surge of Nigerians seeking to register as members following its unveiling as the new coalition platform for the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a Channels TV interview on Monday, Chairman of the ADC Board of Trustees, Ibrahim Mani, said the spike in online traffic overwhelmed their digital infrastructure, forcing the party to re-host the website multiple times.

“We had to host our website on three different occasions within the last week because it was crashing as a result of the influx of people wanting to register online as members of the party,” Mani explained.

Tribune Online gathered that the rush to register came after several prominent political figures aligned with the ADC-led opposition coalition. Notable among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Mani said the new wave of interest reflects the public’s hunger for credible political alternatives amid deepening economic hardship and dissatisfaction with the ruling administration.

“A political party is an all-comers affair,” he noted, adding that the party would remain open to all law-abiding Nigerians who align with its values. “You cannot categorise people who have no criminal record, because the constitutional requirement is that only those convicted by a competent court of law are forbidden from contesting elections.”

The ADC, which positions itself as a grassroots-focused and inclusive political party, is working to rebuild Nigeria’s opposition landscape and prevent a drift towards a one-party state.

“It’s better to build a party with people who believe there should be a credible opposition in Nigeria,” Mani said. “That is what strengthens democracy.”

While technical teams are working to fully restore the party’s digital platforms, Mani said offline mobilisation efforts are also in full swing, especially in local communities.

The party’s new role as a convergence point for opposition voices is seen as a strategic move to consolidate political efforts against the current ruling party in 2027.

Observers believe that the ADC’s prominence in the coalition could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, especially if it successfully galvanises widespread support from the public and disgruntled political figures seeking a new platform.

Meanwhile, the party has announced a new venue for the coalition’s official unveiling, following logistical adjustments necessitated by growing interest in the alliance.

With over a year to the general elections, the ADC says it is focused on building solid structures nationwide and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to existing political dynamics.

The party is encouraging Nigerians to stay engaged, both online and offline, as preparations for 2027 continue to gather momentum.