In a seismic shift in Nigeria's opposition landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying his role as a frontrunner and potential opposition flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, a seasoned political heavyweight and two-time presidential candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the announcement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle earlier today. Sharing a photo of himself proudly displaying his freshly issued ADC membership card, he captioned it simply: "It’s official." The registration ceremony took place at his polling unit in Adamawa State, his home base, where he was greeted by enthusiastic supporters and party stakeholders.
This move comes four months after Atiku's dramatic resignation from the PDP in July 2025, amid the party's deepening internal crises that had eroded its viability as a unified opposition force. His defection to the ADC – a coalition-backed platform endorsed by key opposition figures – had been anticipated since the party's unveiling earlier this year, but formal registration had been delayed due to logistical issues, including the availability of valid membership cards under the new leadership.
A Coalition for Change: Atiku's Strategic Alignment
The ADC, chaired by former Senate President David Mark, with Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, was adopted in July as the unifying vehicle for Nigeria's fragmented opposition. It aims to rally anti-incumbency forces against President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) administration ahead of the 2027 polls. Atiku's entry is seen as a game-changer, bringing his vast political network, financial resources, and national appeal to bolster the party's structures.
Notable allies in this coalition include Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal. While speculation has swirled about potential rivalries – particularly between Atiku and Obi – ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi has dismissed concerns, emphasizing that the party's presidential primary will be a transparent, democratic process. "There’s no real conflict of ambition," Abdullahi stated recently. "When the time comes, Nigerians will see a fair contest."
Atiku himself addressed rumors of stepping aside during a recent BBC Hausa interview, clarifying that he would only withdraw if a younger contender emerges victorious in the primaries. "The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women," he said, underscoring his commitment to a generational handover if the people so decide. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, later reinforced this, calling reports of Atiku's withdrawal "a misrepresentation."
Implications for 2027: A Resurgent Opposition?
Atiku's formal alignment with the ADC is more than a personal pivot; it's a clarion call for opposition unity. Political analysts predict it could reinvigorate grassroots mobilization, especially in the North, where Atiku's influence remains unmatched. "This is the bold realignment Nigeria's democracy needs to counter the APC's dominance," said a source close to the coalition. With Atiku's endorsement, the ADC – previously a minor player – is poised to challenge the status quo, potentially drawing defectors from other parties disillusioned by ongoing economic hardships and governance lapses under Tinubu.
However, questions linger: Will Peter Obi fully commit, given his absence from recent ADC events? And can the coalition navigate the egos and ambitions of its star-studded roster to present a cohesive front?
As Nigeria edges toward 2027, Atiku's "official" step into the ADC arena signals the end of the PDP era for him – and the dawn of a fiercer, more consolidated battle for the presidency.
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