“ADC’s Coalition Gains Momentum as Defections Threaten PDP Stability Ahead of 2027”

Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as the newly adopted platform for a grand coalition of opposition leaders. According to findings by Saturday PUNCH, the coalition, which includes prominent figures from across the political spectrum, is actively courting at least five sitting governors—primarily from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—to defect ahead of the next general election.

The development has already begun unsettling the PDP, especially in Northern Nigeria, as multiple defections continue to ripple through the party’s ranks.

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ADC Gains Traction Amid PDP’s Internal Crisis

The ADC’s ascendancy as a central coalition platform follows a formal endorsement by political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark. Mark and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola have been appointed interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

Adding momentum to this political recalibration, several high-profile defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former party chairman John Oyegun, ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, have now joined the ADC ranks. From the PDP side, the coalition boasts former national leaders like Uche Secondus, ex-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and six former governors from key states including Benue, Imo, and Cross River.

The unfolding scenario signifies a rare cross-party alliance focused on unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027. A key insider from the ADC confirmed that negotiations with five PDP governors are underway, with the politicians reportedly waiting for the resolution of internal disputes—particularly those involving former Governor Nyesom Wike—before making their moves.

“We have commitments from five PDP governors. Once the Wike matter is resolved, and their national convention concludes, they will make the move,” a former senator from Katsina State told Saturday PUNCH.

PDP Loses More Leaders Amid Fears of Mass Defection

Since the coalition’s formal unveiling on July 2, several PDP chieftains have publicly defected to the ADC, citing unresolved leadership disputes and lack of internal democracy. Among them is Alex Adum, a former Benue State Attorney General who resigned after 27 years in the party. In his letter, Adum emphasized the need to “rescue Nigeria” through a new political direction.

Others who have followed suit include Olofu Samuel, a former Benue commissioner; Ibrahim Amin and Mukhtar Adam from Kano; Mohammed Mukhtar from Niger State; and AVM Shehu Adamu (retd.), the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Gombe. Their reasons echoed a recurring theme—fractured party unity and dwindling faith in the PDP’s national direction.

Despite mounting evidence of instability, PDP leadership remains defiant. Spokesperson Debo Ologunagba labeled the reports of governor defections as “hallucinations,” asserting that the party remains united and focused on its upcoming national convention.

ADC Coalition Faces Skepticism Amid Rising Tensions

While the ADC-led coalition continues to draw support from both APC and PDP defectors, critics have raised doubts about its viability. APC’s South-East National Vice Chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, dismissed the coalition as a “desperate power grab,” pointing to the absence of any serving governors within the coalition’s official fold.

He stated, “They are trying to copy what Tinubu did with the APC merger, but without governors joining in, they have no real political traction.”

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri also criticized the coalition, calling it a collection of “rejected politicians.” These sentiments were echoed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who accused the ADC and its allies of attempting to derail Tinubu’s reform agenda.

“This is a calculated attempt to distract the Commander-in-Chief. But Tinubu will not fall for their bait,” Sanwo-Olu asserted during a Friday press briefing.

Nonetheless, insiders insist that support from within the APC still exists, albeit clandestinely. Dr. Sani Dawop, a Plateau ADC chieftain, previously claimed that six to seven APC governors are covertly funding the opposition coalition—suggesting deep-rooted dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

 Coalition Strategy or Political Mirage?

As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, the ADC’s transformation into a multi-party coalition platform has clearly stirred the political pot. What began 18 months ago as back-channel discussions has evolved into a formidable challenge for both the APC and PDP.

However, the road ahead remains uncertain. For the ADC-led alliance to replicate the APC’s 2015 success, it must secure the open endorsement of serving governors, overcome internal discord, and present a unified national agenda beyond unseating Tinubu.

Until then, the question remains: Is this coalition the beginning of a political renaissance or merely a passing storm in Nigeria’s ever-turbulent democratic journey?