Politics

2027 Elections: ADC Targets Five Sitting Governors Amid PDP, APC Defections

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 5th, 2025.

2027 Elections: ADC Targets Five Sitting Governors Amid PDP, APC Defections

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is positioning itself as a unifying force for opposition parties, with strategic plans to welcome at least five current governors into its fold. This move is part of a broader effort to capitalize on rifts within the major political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

ADC Gains Ground Amid Party Fractures

According to insider reports, the ADC is seizing on the internal turmoil rocking the PDP, aiming to lure several of its disenchanted governors. Already, five influential PDP figures from different states have officially resigned and declared their allegiance to the ADC.

Prominent political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark, have publicly thrown their weight behind the ADC, cementing it as the coalition’s new political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

David Mark has been appointed Interim National Chairman, while former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola will serve as Interim Secretary. Their appointments mark a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition structure.

High-Profile Defections From APC and PDP

A wave of political realignments continues as key APC and PDP figures join the new coalition. Former APC Chairman John Oyegun, ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi have left the ruling party for the ADC. From the PDP, notable defections include ex-National Chairman Uche Secondus, former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and several former governors: Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).

Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT under the Labour Party, also participated in the coalition’s unveiling event, signaling growing cross-party cooperation.

Critics Question Coalition’s Strength

Despite the momentum, critics remain skeptical. APC’s South-East National Vice Chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, questioned the coalition’s viability, citing the absence of current governors as a major weakness compared to the successful APC merger in 2014.

“There’s already discontent among the ADC’s old members over the newcomers. Unlike the APC, which unified through the support of sitting governors, this coalition lacks such critical backing,” he argued.

Similarly, pro-Tinubu commentator and former presidential aide Reno Omokri dismissed the coalition as a collection of “recycled politicians” trying to regain relevance.

More PDP Leaders Exit Party

The list of defectors from the PDP continues to grow. Former Benue Attorney General Alex Adum, who’s been with the PDP since 1998, cited the party’s refusal to join the national coalition as his reason for leaving, declaring a personal mission to “rescue Nigeria.”

Others who recently left the PDP include Olofu Samuel (former commissioner in Benue), Ibrahim Amin (Kano), Mukhtar Adam (Kano), Mohammed Mukhtar (Niger), and AVM Shehu Adamu (retd.), the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Gombe.

Most of them cited unresolved internal conflicts, disregard for internal democracy, and disillusionment with the party’s direction as reasons for their exit.

PDP Responds: ‘Nothing But Hallucinations’

In response, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba brushed off claims of governor defections as baseless rumors. “Anyone suggesting that PDP governors are planning to defect is clearly hallucinating. Our party is solid, and our governors remain committed,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu Dismisses Opposition Plans

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned the emerging opposition alliance, calling it a desperate bid to derail President Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Sanwo-Olu accused coalition leaders of attempting to distract the presidency and disrupt the nation’s current progress. “This plot will fail. Nigerians are already experiencing the impact of Tinubu’s reforms, and they will rally behind him again in 2027,” he asserted.

Sanwo-Olu praised Tinubu’s leadership style and policies, stressing that the President’s achievements will speak louder than the

opposition’s rhetoric come election season.