Monday July 07, 2025
As part of efforts to build a formidable coalition, ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has commenced moves to woo high-profile politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, Vanguard reported.
Although the ADC has already taken over PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa and some other northern states, many of the prominent politicians, being approached, are yet to formally defect.
This came as Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, yesterday, dismissed media reports that he would lead five other governors from the APC to ADC.
Also, the 2023 presid-ential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, said he remains committed to protecting the interests of his supporters and political associates.
This is even as Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, tackled the Interim National Secretary of ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, to give account of his stewardship as Interior Minister in the last dispensation.
ADC takes over PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa
Confirming the takeover of PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe and Adamawa states, Mr Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said the PDP executives in the northern states had aligned with the coalition.
Ibe said: “The movement is gaining traction. Atiku Abubakar will continue to provide direction to ensure the coalition evolves into a formidable, robust, and viable platform.
“Having achieved that, you can already see the results. The Yobe PDP executive has aligned with the ADC, as has Gombe’s. The Adamawa executives have also pledged their loyalty. The movement is gaining momentum.”
He also praised Atiku’s role in uniting various political groups, describing it as a reflection of strong leadership.
“Just last week, the political landscape was trending towards a one-party dictatorship, reminiscent of the Abacha era. This coalition is a response to that threat,” Ibe added.
PDP remains defiant
However, the chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum, PDPSCF, and Imo State PDP Chairman, Mr Austin Nwachukwu, described reports of defections as ‘good riddance,’ insisting that the PDP remains strong and united.
Nwachukwu said: “The chairmen of Yobe and Borno vehemently denied these claims. These are fake news designed to attract public sympathy.
“Many of these politicians are over 70 years old. What are they still looking for? Retirement funds, not service to the nation.”
The PDP, he said, remained defiant just as he dismissed the defections as inconsequential.
He said: “Many of those who left have returned to the PDP. We wish those in the ADC well, but the PDP is stronger than ever.”
ADC positions itself as APC’s main challenger
Meanwhile, the ADC’s Interim National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasised the coalition’s appeal as a viable alternative to the ruling APC.
Abdullahi, in a chat with Vanguard, said: “The ADC represents a coalition of Nigerians who stand against the failures of this administration. In the coming months, you’ll see not only PDP members but also those from other opposition parties like the SDP, Labour Party, and NNPP joining us.”
Reiterating the ADC’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, rather than engaging in personal attacks, he said: “Our focus is on the precarious state of the nation. This is not about ambitions, it’s about the collective good of the country.
“Our goal is to continue engaging the Nigerian people. We won’t waste time responding to personal attacks or abuses from other parties. Everyone with something to contribute must join this coalition to save Nigeria. This is not about personal ambitions, it’s about the collective good of the country.”
