As the race towards the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to build a formidable political coalition, targeting high-profile politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports indicate that the ADC has successfully taken over PDP structures in key northern states including Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa. However, many of the prominent politicians involved in these talks are yet to officially announce their defection.
Zulum Denies Defection Rumours
Amid speculation, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has firmly dismissed claims that he and five other APC governors were set to defect to the ADC. In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor described the reports as “baseless fabrications” by political detractors.
“My loyalty to the APC remains firm, and my dedication is solely to the welfare and progress of Borno State,” Zulum declared, urging the public to ignore what he termed “cheap, politically motivated speculation.”
Obi, Wike Weigh In
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the interests of his supporters and political allies amid Nigeria’s shifting political alliances.
In a separate development, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenged ADC Interim National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, to publicly account for his time as Interior Minister, escalating tensions between current officeholders and the emerging opposition front.
Atiku’s Camp Confirms Coalition Gains
Speaking on the developments, Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that PDP executives in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa have aligned with the ADC-led coalition. He commended Atiku for providing leadership to the movement, likening the coalition-building process to the adjustments in a new marriage.
“The movement is gaining traction. You can already see the results,” Ibe said, adding that by year’s end, those standing in the way of the coalition “will have themselves to blame.”
PDP Dismisses Defections as ‘Good Riddance’
Reacting to the reports, Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State PDP Chairman, Mr. Austin Nwachukwu, downplayed the defections, insisting that the PDP remains united and resilient.
“These are fake news stories designed to attract public sympathy. Many of those leaving are in political retirement mode,” he said. “We wish them well, but the PDP remains stronger than ever.”
ADC: A New Political Force?
Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Spokesperson of the ADC, positioned the coalition as a credible alternative to the ruling APC. He noted that the party is attracting members from not just the PDP, but also from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“This coalition is not about personal ambition—it’s about rescuing Nigeria. Our focus is on addressing the country’s challenges, not trading insults,” Abdullahi said.
With defections looming and alliances shifting, the ADC’s bold moves signal a serious bid to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
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