The African Democratic Congress (ADC), now adopted as the official platform of the newly formed opposition coalition, is making strategic moves to secure the defection of at least five sitting governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Insider sources revealed that the ADC is taking advantage of internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), positioning itself to attract key defectors. Already, five PDP leaders across Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states have formally joined the ADC.
On Wednesday, key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark—publicly endorsed the ADC as the coalition’s new political vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola were named Interim National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Defections from PDP, APC Shake Political Landscape
Prominent politicians from both the PDP and APC have begun aligning with the ADC-led coalition. These include:
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Former APC National Chairman, John Oyegun
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Ex-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami
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Former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi
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Former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus
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Ex-Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal
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Former governors from Jigawa, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Niger, and Ebonyi States
Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party also attended the coalition’s unveiling.
ADC Plans More High-Profile Gains
A former senator from Katsina State disclosed that five PDP governors had already pledged to join the ADC after resolving internal party tensions, particularly involving Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
We’ve been planning this coalition for 18 months. Some APC governors were contacted as far back as last year, the source said.
Another aide close to one of the coalition’s leaders confirmed that seven governors—across both northern and southern Nigeria—are currently in talks with the opposition bloc.
Despite the growing speculation, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu declined to confirm names, saying, “That’s top secret.”
Last month, ADC chieftain Dr. Sani Dawop told Trust TV News that six to seven APC governors were covertly funding the anti-Tinubu coalition.
Wave of Resignations Hits PDP
Following the formal adoption of the ADC platform, the PDP has been hit with a fresh wave of defections:
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In Benue, former Attorney General Alex Adum and ex-Commissioner Olofu Samuel resigned.
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In Kano, Ibrahim Amin and Mukhtar Adam quit, citing prolonged internal crises and lack of cohesion.
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In Niger, party chieftain Mohammed Mukhtar resigned after “deep personal reflection.”
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In Gombe, 2023 governorship candidate AVM Shehu Adamu (retd.) left the party.
PDP, APC React
PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba dismissed the reports of possible defections by governors as “hallucination.”
Our governors are united. Anyone saying otherwise is living in fantasy, he said, emphasizing that the party remains focused on its upcoming national convention.
Similarly, APC leaders ridiculed the new opposition alliance. APC Vice Chairman (South-East) Ijeomah Arodiogbu said the absence of sitting governors made the coalition “weak and unserious.”
The original APC merger succeeded because six governors joined. That’s not happening here, he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also criticized the coalition, accusing it of trying to distract President Tinubu. This is just a ploy to derail Nigeria’s progress, but Tinubu will not fall for their bait, Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the President’s reforms and track record will win voter confidence in 2027.
