Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cementing months of speculation about his next political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku confirmed his defection on Monday through a brief post on X, where he shared a photo holding his ADC membership card with the caption: “It’s official.” The announcement ends a period of deliberation following his July resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been crippled by a deepening internal crisis.
His move solidifies the emerging coalition structure within ADC—a platform he endorsed earlier this year as the vehicle for uniting opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu.
Sources within the opposition say Atiku, alongside other leaders, had previously delayed their formal registration with the ADC to allow negotiations within the broader coalition to mature. Monday’s declaration signals the start of a coordinated political repositioning.
The coalition unveiled the ADC in July as a unified political bloc, naming former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. Former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi was also appointed as National Publicity Secretary.
With Atiku’s membership now official, analysts predict a major restructuring of Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition actors consolidate their strategies ahead of 2027. His entry is expected to influence alliances, fundraising, and nationwide mobilisation efforts.
Observers say the ADC move positions Atiku as a central figure in the emerging opposition front—one that could reshape the contest in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most consequential elections in decades.
