Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today, a move expected to reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking over the weekend to ADC supporters in Adamawa, Atiku confirmed his plans to register with the coalition party, a decision also reaffirmed by his aide, Abdul Rasheeth, on Sunday.
Rasheeth described the step as pivotal in the ongoing opposition realignment.
Atiku’s registration follows his leadership in July to adopt the ADC as the opposition coalition’s platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, he and other key figures, including Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, had delayed formalizing their membership.
Shehu Yohanna, ADC Chairman in Adamawa, recently urged Atiku and others to complete their registration, expressing hope that Atiku would use his visit to Yola—where he is celebrating his birthday and engaging in community outreach—to finalize the process.
This development comes shortly after speculation arose over Atiku and Obi’s absence at the unveiling of the ADC’s new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
The party leadership dismissed rumors of disunity, clarifying that Atiku’s former campaign office, now the secretariat, was leased by the ADC after his tenancy expired.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that both leaders remain committed to the coalition, adding, “There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has maintained silence about his political plans. His allies, including Dr. Yunusa Tanko, dismissed speculation of his withdrawal from the coalition, explaining that Obi is being deliberate about his 2027 presidential ticket and will announce his decision after the Anambra election.
Tanko expressed hope that the ADC, expected to back a southern candidate, would nominate Obi, adding, “He shouldn’t be pressured. He will make his intentions known at the right time.”