The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted as the platform for a coalition of opposition leaders, is strategically positioning itself to attract at least five sitting governors ahead of the 2027 general elections, insiders have revealed. This move comes amid ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has seen several of its leaders defect to the ADC.
Okay.ng reports that the coalition, which includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark, formally embraced the ADC as their platform on Wednesday. David Mark and former Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were appointed Interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
Significant political figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former National Chairman John Oyegun, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, have resigned from the APC to join the ADC. Similarly, notable PDP stalwarts such as former National Chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and former governors from various states have aligned with the coalition.
Despite these developments, the ADC faces criticism regarding its strength and internal cohesion. PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum warned of consequences for undermining party unity, while APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeomah Arodiogbu, highlighted the absence of sitting governors in the coalition as a critical weakness. Arodiogbu emphasized that unlike the APC’s successful merger, which included sitting governors, the current coalition lacks such political traction.
Sources within the ADC disclosed plans for five PDP governors to join the coalition, contingent on the resolution of internal PDP conflicts, particularly those involving Governor Nyesom Wike. Additionally, some APC governors are reportedly supporting the coalition discreetly. An insider revealed ongoing discussions with seven governors from both southern and northern Nigeria, though their identities remain confidential.
The coalition’s momentum has triggered fears of mass defections within the PDP, especially in Northern Nigeria. Recent resignations from PDP leaders in Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states underscore this trend, with many citing internal crises and lack of party cohesion as reasons for their departure.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba dismissed rumors of PDP governors defecting to the ADC as “hallucination,” affirming the party’s unity and focus on its upcoming national convention.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu criticized the opposition coalition’s adoption of the ADC as a mere distraction aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda, asserting that Nigerians would continue to support the President in 2027.
