Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday drew a decisive line under months of political speculation as he formally took up membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling what many insiders describe as a strategic reset within Nigeria’s opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, who posted a photograph of himself clutching his freshly issued membership card with the note “It’s official” on his X handle, effectively closed the chapter on his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His departure from the PDP in July followed a prolonged period of internal rifts that left the party fractured and searching for direction.
The ADC, a coalition-driven platform unveiled earlier in the year, has fast become a convergence point for opposition heavyweights exploring a unified front against the ruling establishment. Atiku had in July endorsed the party as a viable alternative structure for political actors committed to reshaping national leadership, alongside figures such as Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal.
Although the coalition had taken shape months ago, formal registration by key players—Atiku included—had been deliberately paced, as consultations continued behind the scenes. Yesterday’s announcement now gives concrete expression to the former vice president’s political recalibration and strengthens the coalition’s organisational footing.
The ADC leadership, chaired by former Senate President David Mark, features prominent political stakeholders including former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary. Their entry into the party’s top hierarchy earlier in the year set the tone for a renewed opposition machinery determined to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
