The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to woo top politicians from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ...
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to woo top politicians from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as part of its strategy to build a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the coalition is already gaining traction, with PDP executives in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa pledging allegiance to the ADC.
“The movement is gaining momentum. Atiku Abubakar will continue to provide direction to ensure the coalition evolves into a viable platform,” Ibe said.
He likened the process to a young marriage.
“Politics is like early marriage—learning to live together, tolerate differences, and compromise. But with time, it works.”
Ibe warned that by year’s end, “anyone standing in the way of this coalition will have himself to blame.”
PDP Plays Down Defections, Calls Them 'Good Riddance'
Austin Nwachukwu, chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo PDP Chairman, dismissed reports of defection as “fake news.”
“The chairmen of Yobe and Borno have denied the claims. These are politicians looking for retirement funds, not national service,” Nwachukwu said.
He insisted the party remains strong.
“Many who left have returned. The PDP is stronger than ever.”
ADC Targets Opposition Figures Beyond PDP
Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national spokesperson for the ADC, confirmed the party is attracting members from across opposition parties.
“You’ll soon see members of the SDP, Labour Party, and NNPP joining us. This is not about ambition. It’s about saving Nigeria.”
He said the ADC would not engage in insults or distractions.
“We want every Nigerian with value to join us. This isn’t personal—it’s national.”
Zulum Denies ADC Defection Rumour, Reaffirms APC Loyalty
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, debunked media reports alleging plans to defect to the ADC with five other APC governors.
“This is fiction. My loyalty to the APC is unwavering,” Zulum said in a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.
“We have no time for cheap politics. We’re focused on rebuilding Borno. The public should ignore the desperate fabrications.”
Obi: Still in Labour Party, But Committed to Coalition
Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, said despite supporting the ADC-led coalition, he remains in the LP.
“Today, I remain in the Labour Party. But we’ve agreed to work together for the 2027 elections under the ADC umbrella,” he said on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics.
When asked if he’d leave LP or run alongside Atiku Abubakar, Obi said:
“Nobody has discussed that with me. I’m contesting for President. I believe I’m qualified.”
He defended forming alliances with politicians from failed administrations.
“You need both those who failed and succeeded. They understand what broke the system.”
APC: Coalition is a Political Scam
Dr Ajibola Basiru, APC’s National Secretary, dismissed the coalition as a fraudulent smokescreen.
“This isn’t a coalition. It’s displaced politicians regrouping under a new name,” he said in Osogbo, Osun State.
Basiru argued the opposition lacked focus.
“They say we want to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, then accuse us of panic when they defect to the ADC. They can’t be taken seriously.”
ADC Accuses FG of 'Optics, Not Solutions'
In a separate statement, Bolaji Abdullahi accused the Federal Government of prioritising public image over solving real issues like hunger and economic hardship.
“The recent food security reforms aren’t policy—they’re panic,” he said, referencing Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga’s tweets.
“It took the rise of the ADC to jolt this government into action. Not the cries of starving Nigerians.”
He alleged that poverty was being weaponised and reforms were just “choreographed press releases.”
Wike Attacks ADC Leaders, Demands Accountability
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took swipes at several ADC leaders, calling Rauf Aregbesola, interim ADC National Secretary and former Interior Minister, a failure.
“As minister, he couldn’t fix passport delays. Today, you can get your passport in hours,” Wike said during a church thanksgiving in Asokoro.
He also criticised Atiku Abubakar, saying:
“You’ve moved parties since 1999. Now it’s ADC in 2025 to rescue who—yourself or Nigeria?”
On David Mark, former Senate President and ADC chair, Wike said:
“You were Senate President for eight years. Couldn’t build a road to your village.”
He didn’t spare Rotimi Amaechi, either.
“You borrowed Nigeria’s future during your time as Transport Minister. Now you say Nigerians are angry. Of course they are—at you.”
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