The African Democratic Congress (ADC), newly adopted as the political platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition, is reportedly in advanced talks to secure the defection of at least five serving governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

According to insiders who spoke with UGAMA TV, the ADC is capitalizing on ongoing crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aiming to draw governors and other key figures into its expanding coalition.

 

This political maneuver comes days after opposition heavyweights—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Senate President David Mark—formally declared the ADC as their platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Mark now serves as the interim National Chairman, with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as Secretary.

 

In a show of broad opposition unity, prominent defectors from both the APC and PDP joined the ADC, including ex-APC Chairman John Oyegun, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. From the PDP, notable figures such as ex-National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and former governors of Benue, Cross River, Imo, Jigawa, Niger, and Ebonyi have also aligned with the coalition.

 

Labour Party senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, was among those in attendance at the unveiling event.

 

Criticism Trails Coalition’s Strength

 

Despite the high-profile endorsements, the ADC-led coalition has drawn criticism over its perceived lack of momentum. The PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, cautioned members against undermining party unity and warned of consequences for defections.

 

Pro-Tinubu analyst Reno Omokri dismissed the coalition as a group of “rejected politicians,” while APC South-East Vice Chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, criticized the coalition’s lack of sitting governors—a key factor that helped the APC gain power in 2015.

 

Arodiogbu argued, “What they are doing is driven by desperation, not by a sincere agenda for Nigerians. No serving governor has joined them. Even within their new party, some leaders say they weren’t consulted. There are already cracks.”

 

He added that several governors, instead of defecting to the ADC, are moving closer to the APC. “They want to replicate what Tinubu did with APC, but without the same kind of political support,” he said.

 

Insiders: Five Governors Committed to ADC

 

However, sources within the ADC say the coalition’s reach is deeper than it appears. A former senator from Katsina State revealed that five PDP governors have already committed to joining the ADC but are waiting for the resolution of internal party conflicts, particularly those involving Nyesom Wike.

 

Another insider, a former minister’s aide, claimed discussions are ongoing with seven governors—both from the north and south—though he declined to name the parties involved. “Why should we put everything in the newspapers?” he asked. “But yes, conversations are happening.”

 

The former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, declined to confirm or deny the defection plans, calling it “a top-secret matter.”

 

These claims align with recent comments from ADC Plateau chieftain, Dr. Sani Dawop, who told Trust TV that six or seven APC governors have been secretly supporting the coalition due to dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership.

 

More PDP Leaders Dump Party for ADC

 

Since the coalition’s formal launch, at least five more PDP leaders from Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states have joined the ADC, intensifying concerns over mass defections, especially in the North.

 

In a resignation letter dated July 2, 2025, addressed to the PDP chairman of Mbabur Council Ward in Gwer LGA, Benue, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alex Adum, said he was leaving the PDP to help “rescue Nigeria.”