As part of its strategy to build a robust coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has initiated efforts to attract prominent politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the ADC has successfully taken over PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa states, many high-profile politicians being courted have yet to formally defect.
ADC’s Gains in Northern States
Confirming the takeover of PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa, Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stated that PDP executives in these states have aligned with the ADC-led coalition. “The movement is gaining traction. Atiku Abubakar will continue to provide direction to ensure the coalition evolves into a formidable, robust, and viable platform,” Ibe said. He highlighted Atiku’s role in uniting political groups, likening the coalition’s challenges to a young marriage requiring compromise and adjustment. “By the end of this year, anyone standing in the way of this coalition will have himself to blame,” he added, warning of the coalition’s growing momentum.Ibe also framed the coalition as a response to the threat of a one-party dictatorship, referencing the political landscape’s recent trends. “Just last week, the political landscape was trending towards a one-party dictatorship, reminiscent of the Abacha era. This coalition is a response to that threat,” he said.
PDP Dismisses Defections
The PDP, however, remains defiant. Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State PDP Chairman, dismissed reports of defections as “good riddance,” insisting the PDP remains strong and united. He described the defection claims as “fake news” and questioned the motives of defectors, many of whom he claimed are over 70 and seeking “retirement funds” rather than national service. “Many of those who left have returned to the PDP. We wish those in the ADC well, but the PDP is stronger than ever,” Nwachukwu said.
Zulum Denies Defection Rumors
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum categorically denied reports suggesting he and five other APC governors planned to defect to the ADC. In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the rumors as “fictitious and mischievous” fabrications by detractors seeking relevance. “My loyalty to the APC remains firm, and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State,” Zulum said, urging the public to disregard the claims and focus on credible information.
Peter Obi Stays Loyal to Labour Party but we back ADC
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, clarified his position during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. While acknowledging his involvement in the ADC-led coalition, Obi affirmed his continued membership in the LP. “Today, I remain in the Labour Party, but we have all agreed to work in coalition for the 2027 elections. For that, we have adopted the ADC, but as we grow, other parties and individuals will still come on board,” he said. Obi emphasized that the coalition aims to create a better Nigeria, not serve personal ambitions. He also confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculations of becoming Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. “I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi stated, stressing the value of diverse experiences in the coalition, including those from failed administrations, to avoid past mistakes.
ADC Positions Itself as APC’s Main Rival
ADC Interim National Spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi underscored the coalition’s appeal as a viable alternative to the ruling APC. “The ADC represents a coalition of Nigerians who stand against the failures of this administration,” Abdullahi said, predicting that members from the PDP, SDP, Labour Party, and NNPP would join in the coming months. He emphasized the ADC’s focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges, such as hunger and economic collapse, rather than engaging in personal attacks. “Our goal is to continue engaging the Nigerian people. This is not about personal ambitions, it’s about the collective good of the country,” he said.
APC Labels Coalition a Fraud
APC National Secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru dismissed the coalition as a “fraud” meant to deceive Nigerians. Speaking in Osogbo, Basiru clarified that unlike the APC’s 2015 merger, where parties surrendered their certificates, the ADC’s coalition involves defections disguised as an alliance. “Coalition means a temporary alliance by different political parties to form a government. But here, it is not a coalition but a deliberate attempt to deceive the people,” Basiru said. He accused opposition leaders, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, of lying about their defection to the ADC. Basiru also downplayed fears of the coalition, noting that the APC is gaining ground, particularly in the South-South, and remains unthreatened by “internally displaced politicians.”
ADC Accuses FG of Political Optics
The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of prioritizing political optics over genuine solutions to Nigeria’s crises. In a statement, Bolaji Abdullahi criticized a recent announcement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, about removing bottlenecks to food security and exports. Abdullahi called it a “confession” that the government had been inactive while Nigerians suffered. “It took the emergence of the African Democratic Congress and the growing momentum of a united opposition to push this government into action,” he said, alleging that the government’s reforms were motivated by fear of the ADC’s rising popularity and the 2027 elections. The ADC urged Nigerians to view the administration’s actions as “choreographed press releases” rather than substantive governance.
Wike Slams ADC Leaders
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike launched a scathing attack on ADC Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, calling him a failure as Interior Minister for his inability to resolve delays in passport issuance. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Abuja, Wike contrasted Aregbesola’s tenure with that of his successor, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who streamlined the process. “You were Minister of Interior, and to get an international passport, one would spend days, weeks, and months. But look at a young boy now under this administration, within hours, you have got your passport,” Wike said.Wike also targeted other ADC leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of party-hopping for personal gain. “In 1999, you were in this party. In 2006, you were in another party. In 2014, you moved to another party. In 2019, you came back to another party. Now in 2025, you are moving to another party to rescue who? You want to rescue your stomach,” Wike said. He similarly criticized former Senate President David Mark for failing to provide infrastructure in his constituency and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for increasing Nigeria’s debt through Chinese loans. “These are the same people who want to rescue Nigeria,” Wike said, dismissing their coalition as opportunistic.
As the ADC intensifies its coalition-building efforts, it faces resistance from the APC and PDP, with key figures like Zulum and Obi clarifying their positions. While the ADC positions itself as a formidable challenger to the APC, criticisms from Wike and Basiru highlight the contentious nature of the opposition’s strategy. With the 2027 elections looming, the political landscape remains dynamic, with the ADC’s coalition testing the resilience of Nigeria’s major parties.
