Our Reporter | Adamawa
Nigeria’s political terrain shifted on Monday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his home state of Adamawa — a move poised to redefine the opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development, confirmed by Atiku’s aide Abdul Rasheeth, marks the first concrete step in what analysts see as a calculated realignment of opposition forces dissatisfied with the current political order. Atiku’s arrival at the registration venue drew a jubilant crowd, with supporters singing, drumming, and waving placards bearing his image. Smiling from his convoy, the former vice president acknowledged the cheers before receiving his ADC membership card.
Shortly after, he posted a brief but symbolic message on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s official. – AA.”
Atiku had publicly endorsed the ADC in July as a potential unifying platform for key opposition figures, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Until now, however, major stakeholders—Atiku included—had delayed formal registration, prompting speculation about the seriousness of the emerging coalition.
His decision to officially join the party is expected to accelerate organisational efforts within the ADC and could trigger a wave of alignments across the political spectrum. With the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) preparing for re-election and the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) grappling with internal fractures, Atiku’s defection introduces a new variable into Nigeria’s evolving political equation.
For many within the opposition, the move signals the beginning of a broader coalition strategy aimed at consolidating influence, restructuring alliances, and presenting a unified front in what is anticipated to be one of Nigeria’s most consequential elections.
With Atiku now fully onboard, political watchers say the ADC may be transitioning from a fringe coalition to a considerable national force with a defining imprint to shape the 2027 race.