2027: Four Buhari ministers, two other APC chieftains defect to ADC

DDM News

Six prominent figures within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The political heavyweights have joined forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling what appears to be the formation of a formidable opposition bloc against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this development unfolded on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, when the defectors officially took control of the ADC’s national leadership in Abuja, unveiling their agenda to challenge the ruling APC’s grip on power.

The defectors include four former ministers who served in the cabinet of former President Muhammadu Buhari. These are Rotimi Amaechi, who was Minister of Transportation; Abubakar Malami, who served as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation; Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation; and Rauf Aregbesola, who held the position of Minister of Interior.

Joining them are two other influential figures—Kashim Imam, a seasoned businessman and former chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) board, and Chief John Odigie Oyegun, a founding member and former national chairman of the APC.

This high-profile realignment marks one of the most significant political shake-ups since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Sources close to the new coalition disclosed that dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, rising inflation, worsening insecurity, and political exclusion were major factors behind the defection.

According to insiders, many of the defectors had grown disillusioned with what they perceive as a failure of the APC to deliver on its campaign promises, especially those related to good governance, youth employment, and national unity.

Rotimi Amaechi, a two-term former governor of Rivers State and one-time director-general of Buhari’s 2015 and 2019 campaign organizations, has long been viewed as a political heavyweight within the APC.

He contested the APC presidential primaries in 2022 but lost to Bola Tinubu. Since then, he has maintained a relatively low profile—until now.

Abubakar Malami, whose tenure as attorney-general was marred by controversy and allegations of abuse of office, is also a surprise inclusion in the anti-Tinubu alliance.

Hadi Sirika, known for his strong advocacy for the failed national carrier project—Nigeria Air—was once considered a Tinubu loyalist but has reportedly distanced himself from the administration in recent months.

Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State, has had a rocky relationship with the Tinubu political dynasty in the Southwest, especially following disputes over the control of Osun APC during the 2022 governorship election.

Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the first substantive national chairman of the APC and former governor of Edo State, was instrumental in the party’s formation in 2013.

He has been a vocal critic of the direction the APC has taken under Tinubu, accusing the party of abandoning its founding ideals.

Kashim Imam, though not as politically visible as the others, has wielded substantial influence in educational development and northern political circles.

The defectors have reportedly formed a new coalition within the ADC with the aim of building a broad national movement to “rescue Nigeria.”

Political analysts suggest that the emergence of this group could pose a serious threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, especially if the ADC can build effective grassroots structures and secure cross-regional support.

The ADC leadership, now under the control of the defectors, has promised to unveil its strategic agenda for national revival in the coming weeks.

While the APC is yet to issue an official statement on the development, party insiders say the ruling party is “monitoring the situation closely.”

This defection adds to the growing list of political realignments ahead of 2027, indicating what may become a tense and unpredictable election cycle.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook