In a dramatic political twist that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s ruling party and reshaped the political conversation in Nasarawa State and beyond, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The high-profile defection, which took place in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, marks one of the most consequential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
DDM NEWS gathered that Senator Adamu’s defection was neither sudden nor accidental, but the culmination of months of deepening rifts, quiet consultations, and growing dissatisfaction with the internal direction of the APC at both the national and state levels. As a founding pillar of the ruling party and one of its most influential power brokers since 2015, Adamu’s exit represents a symbolic and strategic blow to the APC’s cohesion.
A Political Titan Walks Away
Senator Abdullahi Adamu is no ordinary politician. A former two-term governor of Nasarawa State, a seasoned legislator, and former National Chairman of the APC, Adamu has for decades been regarded as one of the most formidable political figures in the North-Central zone. His decision to abandon the party he once led has therefore triggered intense debate within political circles.
According to DDM NEWS investigations, the defection ceremony in Keffi was attended by ADC chieftains, grassroots supporters, youth groups, and political stakeholders who described the moment as “historic” and “long overdue.” Party flags were hoisted, solidarity songs were sung, and the atmosphere reflected the gravity of a political heavyweight changing camp.
Speaking at the event, Adamu reportedly declared that his decision was driven by principle, conscience, and the need to realign with a platform that reflects democratic ideals and internal justice. He is said to have criticised the APC for straying from its founding values, accusing the party of marginalising experienced members, silencing dissenting voices, and allowing internal democracy to collapse.
Cracks Within the APC
DDM NEWS understands that tensions between Senator Adamu and key figures within the APC have simmered for some time, particularly following his controversial exit as national chairman. Sources within the party revealed that Adamu felt increasingly isolated, sidelined, and undermined by emerging power blocs that now dominate the ruling party’s decision-making structure.
Political analysts say his defection exposes the widening cracks within the APC, especially among founding members who feel alienated by what they describe as an over-centralisation of power and intolerance of alternative views. For many insiders, Adamu’s move confirms long-held suspicions that the ruling party is struggling to manage its internal contradictions.
A senior APC source, who spoke to DDM NEWS on condition of anonymity, admitted that Adamu’s exit could encourage further defections. “If someone of his stature can leave, then no one is untouchable. This is not just about Nasarawa; it has national implications,” the source said.
ADC Gains Strategic Boost
For the African Democratic Congress, Senator Adamu’s defection is a major political victory. The party, which has been positioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of 2027, now gains not just a high-profile member but a seasoned strategist with deep grassroots networks, governance experience, and national influence.
ADC leaders present at the Keffi event hailed Adamu’s entry as a sign that the party is becoming a magnet for experienced politicians disillusioned with the dominant parties. They described his defection as evidence that Nigerians are beginning to look beyond the traditional APC–PDP duopoly.
In his welcome address, an ADC leader reportedly stated that the party was committed to internal democracy, fairness, and people-oriented governance, values he said aligned perfectly with Adamu’s political philosophy. The party leadership also hinted that Adamu would play a key advisory and strategic role as the ADC prepares for future elections.
Implications for Nasarawa Politics
The defection is already reshaping the political landscape in Nasarawa State. Keffi LGA, long regarded as a strategic political base, could become a battleground as ADC seeks to consolidate its presence using Adamu’s influence. DDM NEWS observes that several local politicians and former APC loyalists were present at the event, fuelling speculation that more defections may follow.
Political observers believe Adamu’s move could weaken APC’s dominance in the state, particularly if he mobilises his longstanding supporters across Nasarawa’s political wards. His grassroots appeal, built over decades, remains strong, especially among older party faithful who feel disconnected from the current APC leadership.
A Signal Ahead of 2027
Beyond Nasarawa, Adamu’s defection sends a broader signal about the fluidity of Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections. As economic pressures mount and public dissatisfaction with governance grows, political realignments are expected to intensify. DDM NEWS notes that several senior politicians across party lines are currently reassessing their political homes, searching for platforms that can deliver both electoral viability and ideological relevance.
Analysts argue that Adamu’s move to the ADC could embolden other political heavyweights who have been waiting for a “first mover” to break ranks with the ruling party. It also reinforces the growing perception that smaller parties may play a more significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political future than previously assumed.
Silence and Reactions
As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership had not issued an official statement on Senator Adamu’s defection. However, reactions within the party range from shock to quiet acceptance, with some members privately admitting that the departure was inevitable given the internal dynamics.
Meanwhile, social media has been awash with reactions from Nigerians, with supporters describing Adamu’s move as bold and principled, while critics accuse him of opportunism. Regardless of opinion, DDM NEWS notes that few dispute the political weight of the decision.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s defection from the APC to the ADC is more than a personal political choice; it is a defining moment that reflects deeper undercurrents within Nigeria’s political system. As alliances shift and new platforms gain momentum, the coming months are likely to witness further realignments that could redefine the road to 2027.
For now, Keffi has become the epicentre of a political tremor whose aftershocks may be felt far beyond Nasarawa State — and DDM NEWS will continue to follow the unfolding developments closely.