ADC Courts Jonathan, Saraki, Makinde in Fresh Push to Broaden Political Base Ahead of 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to expand its national footprint ahead of the 2027 general election, extending invitations to former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and several serving governors as part of a renewed political outreach.

The move follows the inauguration of the party’s North-East Zonal Congress Committee in Gombe State, an exercise the party described as a strategic step toward strengthening its internal structures and consolidating its presence across the country. Party leaders say the initiative reflects a broader plan to reposition the ADC as a viable national alternative built on internal democracy, inclusion, and credible leadership.

Details of the development were contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday by the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Gombe, after the inauguration ceremony held on January 11 and presided over by Dr Muhammad Muhammad.

ADC North-East Congress Signals Organisational Renewal

According to the communiqué, the inauguration of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee marked a critical phase in the ADC’s efforts to conduct transparent and credible congresses across the zone. Party leaders said the exercise was designed to deepen grassroots participation and reinforce confidence in the party’s internal processes.

As part of the event, key officials were ratified and sworn in to oversee the zonal congresses. Mrs Patience Alex was appointed Chairperson of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, while Mr Abayomi Adekunle was inaugurated as Chairman of the Zonal Appeal Committee. The party said their appointments were aimed at ensuring fairness, accountability, and adherence to due process.

Gombe noted that the steps taken in the North-East were consistent with the party’s broader commitment to internal democracy, adding that strong and credible internal structures were essential for building a platform capable of attracting Nigerians from diverse political backgrounds.

Appeal to National Figures and Serving Governors

In a direct appeal contained in the communiqué, the ADC invited several prominent political figures to join the party as it positions itself for a larger national role. Those named include former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor of Oyo State Seyi Makinde, Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed, Governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Abia State Alex Otti, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Gombe said the party believed the experience and leadership of the invited figures would be instrumental in advancing national unity and good governance. He described the outreach as part of a deliberate strategy to unite political actors across divides in pursuit of what he termed a renewed national vision.

“The authentic national leadership of the ADC passionately appeals to and invites these eminent personalities to join the party in its mission to rebuild and reposition Nigeria,” the communiqué stated, adding that their participation could strengthen efforts to chart a new political direction for the country.

2027 Calculations and Emerging Political Alignments

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to offering what it described as a credible, inclusive, and progressive platform focused on good governance, national unity, and sustainable development. Party leaders said mobilisation efforts would continue across all regions to rally support for a political alternative anchored on accountability and equity.

The latest outreach comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. Observers note that movements across party lines have intensified as political actors reassess strategies and alliances.

The development follows closely on the defection of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to the David Mark-led ADC. That move has further fuelled speculation about emerging coalitions and the possibility of a broader opposition realignment as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.