Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to formalise his entry into the African Democratic Congress today, a development that is generating fresh momentum within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku had hinted at the move over the weekend while speaking to supporters in Adamawa, signalling a shift long anticipated within the coalition of opposition figures that adopted the ADC earlier in the year.
His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, reinforced the plan on Sunday, saying the former vice president would complete the registration process during his visit to Yola.
Rasheeth wrote, “Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially join the ADC tomorrow, a move that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape.
“During his speech to ADC supporters and stakeholders in Adamawa State, he announced his plan to register with the African Democratic Congress on Monday.”
Party leaders say the move marks a consolidation of the opposition bloc, many of whose big names including Atiku, Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal endorsed the coalition months ago without immediately taking up official membership.
In Adamawa, the state chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, had recently appealed to Atiku, Lawal and other prominent supporters to pick up their cards.
He said Atiku’s presence in Yola for his birthday and community engagements creates the perfect opportunity for him to finalise the process.
Yohanna added, “I believe he will use the visit to officially register his membership and collect his card. I think the former SGF and other intending members will do the same to legalise their membership.”
Atiku’s move comes shortly after the ADC addressed concerns raised over the absence of both Atiku and Obi at the commissioning of its new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
The party explained that the unveiling was arranged on short notice, dismissing speculation of cracks within the alliance.
The ADC National Chairman, David Mark had described the secretariat as a major statement of the coalition’s long-term political vision and commitment to accountability.
ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, also pushed back against claims of withdrawals from the fold.
According to him, “There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”
He further clarified that the newly opened secretariat had no ties to Atiku’s former campaign office, dismissing rumours that the building was donated by the ex-vice president.