The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is intensifying efforts to expand its influence by courting at least five sitting governors ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, according to insiders. This strategic push is taking advantage of fractures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has already seen several defections to the ADC.
Key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark, have formally adopted the ADC as their platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have been appointed to lead the party’s interim national structure.
The coalition has attracted notable defections from both the APC and PDP. Former APC leaders such as John Oyegun, Abubakar Malami, and Rotimi Amaechi have left their party to join the ADC. From the PDP, high-profile figures like Uche Secondus, Aminu Tambuwal, and several former governors have aligned with the coalition.
However, the ADC faces skepticism regarding its viability. PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum reaffirmed party unity, warning against undermining efforts. APC’s Ijeomah Arodiogbu pointed out the coalition’s lack of sitting governors as a significant handicap, contrasting it with the successful APC merger that included six sitting governors.
Inside sources reveal that five PDP governors are poised to defect to the ADC, pending resolution of internal disputes within the PDP, especially those involving Governor Nyesom Wike. Additionally, some APC governors are reportedly sympathetic to the coalition’s cause, though their identities remain undisclosed.
The coalition’s emergence has sparked a wave of defections from PDP leaders across multiple states, including Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno. These defections are attributed to prolonged internal crises and dissatisfaction with party leadership.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba dismissed reports of governor defections as baseless, emphasizing the party’s cohesion and focus on its national convention.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State condemned the opposition coalition’s adoption of the ADC as a distraction tactic against President Tinubu. He expressed confidence that Tinubu’s reform agenda and achievements would secure his re-election in 2027.