Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Atiku completed his registration and received his membership card at Jada Ward 1 in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday.
His move comes months after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July, a party he once led as its 2023 presidential candidate. Atiku described his exit as “heartbreaking”, accusing the PDP of abandoning the ideals upon which it was founded.
At 78, Atiku remains one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s political opposition. His decision to align with the ADC reinforces ongoing efforts by several opposition leaders to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general election.
Opposition leaders had agreed to adopt the ADC as the platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
The coalition includes notable political heavyweights such as former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai; and former APC national chairman John Oyegun. Others involved in the coalition effort are former PDP chairman Uche Secondus; former Ebonyi governor Sam Egwu; former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal; and former Cross River governor Liyel Imoke.
Melissa Enoch
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