The African Democratic Congress, which serves as the new political base for the opposition coalition, is working quietly to win over at least five current state governors before the 2027 general elections, according to fresh findings.
Sources within the ADC revealed that the ongoing internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has presented a unique opportunity for the coalition to attract disgruntled PDP governors.
So far, five influential leaders from the PDP have stepped down and joined the ADC. The opposition movement, which brings together several former political heavyweights, aims to form a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election plans.
At a major event held on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, ex-Senate President David Mark, and others officially threw their weight behind the ADC as their new political platform.
David Mark was named Interim National Chairman, while ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola became the party’s Secretary.
Prominent figures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also made dramatic exits from their party to join the ADC.
These include ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi. Top PDP figures such as Uche Secondus, Aminu Tambuwal, and several former governors also aligned with the coalition.
Labour Party Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, was present at the event, further boosting the profile of the movement.
However, the unveiling of the ADC has triggered a storm of criticism. Acting PDP Chairman Umar Damagum noted that members working against the party should expect consequences. Meanwhile, Reno Omokri, a known Tinubu supporter, labeled the coalition “a gathering of rejected politicians and former political office holders.”
Speaking on Friday, APC South-East Vice Chairman Ijeomah Arodiogbu said the lack of support from current governors makes the coalition weak.
“The coalition is already starting on a bad footing. The party they have coalesced into is already having issues. Some leaders of the party said they were not consulted and that they don’t want the newcomers. With that, it is obvious that there is already a problem,” he said.
He added that the alliance is being pushed by people desperate for power, not by those interested in helping Nigerians.
“The lowest common multiple of the people driving the coalition is simply desperation for power. It is not about the Nigerian people. All they have in their agenda is how to pull down Tinubu and the APC. They don’t have anything to offer the Nigerian people,” he stated.
He also dismissed the political influence of Emeka Ihedioha, saying the ex-Imo governor held no weight in South-East politics. According to Arodiogbu, the coalition is trying to copy what Tinubu achieved with the APC merger but lacks the necessary support.
“One fundamental thing that worked for the merger was the joining of six sitting governors. And that is not happening now. Instead, the governors are coming to us,” he noted.
Still, ADC insiders are confident. One former senator from Katsina said five PDP governors had privately committed to joining the ADC once the PDP’s internal leadership issues, especially involving Wike, are settled. Another aide to a former governor said talks were ongoing with seven governors from both the North and South.
“That is a top-secret matter. You can’t hear it from me. If you ask about other matters regarding the coalition, you are very welcome,” said Ralph Nwosu, immediate past National Chairman of the ADC, when contacted.
Recently, ADC Plateau chieftain Dr. Sani Dawop also claimed that six or seven APC governors are secretly backing the coalition, adding more fuel to the political fire.
Meanwhile, several more PDP leaders have exited the party in recent days, particularly in Northern states. Among them are Alex Adum of Benue State, who wrote, “As a loyal party man, I do not wish my new partisan endeavours to conflict with that of the PDP since the party leadership has elected not to formally join the National Coalition Movement.”
Other defectors include Olofu Samuel (Benue), Ibrahim Amin (Kano), Mohammed Mukhtar (Niger), Mukhtar Adam (Kano), and 2023 Gombe governorship candidate AVM Shehu Adamu (retd). They all pointed to internal crises, lack of democracy, and poor leadership within the PDP as reasons for leaving.
However, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba waved off the reports, saying, “Whoever told you that (PDP governors will join ADC) is hallucinating. Our governors are united, and the PDP is united.”
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also fired back at the ADC-led movement, warning them not to underestimate Tinubu’s support. “The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait,” he said.
He noted that Tinubu’s record would speak for itself in 2027 and that no amount of political plotting would weaken his popularity.
