Atiku Officially Joins ADC, Registers in Adamawa as 2027 Political Realignments Intensify

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after registering as a member in Adamawa State on Monday, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development ends months of speculation surrounding Atiku’s political future following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and reinforces the emerging coalition of opposition figures preparing to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku’s Registration Signals New Phase in Opposition Politics

Atiku received his ADC membership card at his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa, just days after hinting to supporters and stakeholders that he would be aligning formally with the party. Videos from the event showed enthusiastic crowds celebrating his arrival with drumming, singing, and placards bearing his image. The former vice president acknowledged the supporters by waving from his convoy before completing the registration process.

Shortly after the ceremony, Atiku posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “It’s official. – AA,” confirming his transition to the coalition platform. His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, earlier verified the move in a statement made available to the media.

The step consolidates Atiku’s earlier declaration in July endorsing the ADC as a common front for opposition leaders—including Peter Obi, Babachir Lawal and others—seeking to present a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The Real Opposition Has Begun” — Atiku

Speaking after collecting his membership card, Atiku declared that Nigeria’s “real opposition” had effectively commenced. He accused the APC-led government of failing the nation and vowed that the ADC coalition would “chase the APC out of government” in the next general elections.

He urged his supporters nationwide to immediately register with the ADC, describing the party as a renewed platform for Nigerians seeking political change.
Abubakar had earlier described his exit from the PDP as “heartbreaking,” citing deep-seated internal disputes that he said had become impossible to resolve.

ADC Leaders Applaud Atiku’s Entry, Launch Statewide Registration

Atiku ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, who oversaw the registration, said Atiku’s decision formally initiates a statewide membership drive across all local government areas and wards. He appealed to citizens—especially youths and women—to take advantage of the renewed mobilisation drive.

Similarly, Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua, National Secretary of the ADC Registration and Mobilisation Committee, called on Nigerians to register to vote and “take ownership of the nation’s political future.”

The event was attended by several prominent political figures from Adamawa, including former Governor Bindow Jibrilla, Senator Aishatu Binani, Senator Ahmed Barata, Senator Aziz Nyako and Senator Ishaku Abbo, reinforcing signs of a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Growing Opposition Coalition Takes Shape

Atiku’s formal entry into the ADC aligns with the earlier agreement by multiple opposition leaders to adopt the party as their 2027 political platform. Among those in the coalition are former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Political observers say the coalition represents one of the most significant opposition reorganisations since 2015, positioning the ADC as the nucleus of a broad-based alliance seeking to challenge the APC’s dominance.