Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today in Adamawa State — a move analysts say could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who addressed ADC supporters and stakeholders over the weekend in Adamawa, confirmed he would be signing up with the coalition party on Monday.
His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, disclosed the development on Sunday, noting that Atiku’s registration represents a major step in the ongoing realignment among opposition figures.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially join the ADC tomorrow, a move that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape,” Rasheeth posted on X.
Opposition Realignment Gains Momentum
Although Atiku played a central role in adopting the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition forces earlier in July, he — alongside Peter Obi, Babachir Lawal, and other prominent figures — had not formally registered with the party.
Last week, the Adamawa ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, urged Atiku, Babachir Lawal, and others to complete their registration to authenticate their membership.
Speaking to Hobnob News, Yohanna revealed that Atiku planned to be in Yola this week for his birthday celebration and distribution of relief items in Jada, making the visit a likely opportunity to formalize his ADC membership.
“I believe he will use the visit to officially register his membership and collect his card,” Yohanna said.
ADC Addresses Absences, Clarifies Internal Cohesion
Atiku’s move comes just 48 hours after ADC leaders clarified why both Atiku and Peter Obi were absent at the unveiling of the party’s new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
Speculation had circulated that Obi avoided the event because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. But the ADC leadership dismissed the claims as unfounded.
According to ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the event was largely impromptu and many leaders were not in Abuja at the time. He stressed that neither Atiku nor Obi had withdrawn from the coalition.
“There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us,” Abdullahi said.
He also clarified that Atiku neither owns nor donated the secretariat building, noting that the former VP’s lease had long expired before the ADC rented the facility.
Obi Still in the Coalition, Says Ally
Amid the political realignments, Peter Obi has remained silent, though his associates insist he is carefully weighing his options ahead of 2027.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, dismissed rumours of Obi’s possible exit.
“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. He will make a statement soon. He just wants to make the right decision,” Tanko said.
He added that Obi is being strategic about securing a platform where he “will not feel trapped,” especially with the rising interest from different political blocs.
Tanko maintained that Obi’s timeline remains unchanged and that he intends to declare his 2027 ambition after the Anambra election.
ADC Leaders Emphasize Unity Ahead of 2027
At the unveiling of the new secretariat, ADC National Chairman David Mark described the office as “a symbol of the coalition’s ambition to redefine Nigeria’s political future,” noting that it reflects a growing desire for better governance and stronger democracy.
Abdullahi echoed the sentiment, stressing that coalition leaders remain united in their mission to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
As Atiku finalizes his membership today, political observers anticipate a more defined structure within the opposition coalition — one expected to shape the months ahead in Nigeria’s political landscape.
