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Political realignment gains momentum as top lawmakers abandon PDP, APC for ADC
No fewer than 31 serving members of the House of Representatives and 26 senators have concluded arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
TJ News Nigeriagathered that the mass defection marks a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a third-force alternative to the dominant APC and PDP.
The wave of defections comes shortly after Atiku Abubakar’s dramatic exit from the PDP in his home state of Adamawa, a move political analysts say could trigger widespread political reconfiguration at the federal and state levels.
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Tinubu Campaign Chief Dumps APC for ADC
In a related political development, Aliyu Saulawa, a former media director in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign team, officially defected to the ADC during the inauguration of the party’s Katsina State chapter on Sunday.
Saulawa, who once served as the Director of Media for the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation and also as the National Coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement, cited Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic decline, and what he described as “broken promises” by the APC-led federal government.
“I can no longer align myself with a party that has abandoned its promises, especially to the North. The suffering is unbearable, and it’s time for a new direction,” Saulawa declared at the event.
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The inauguration held at the Continental Event Centre in Katsina witnessed the defection of hundreds of members from the APC, PDP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The gathering was led by Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, drawing representatives from all 34 local government areas of the state, in what observers describe as a massive blow to the ruling APC in Katsina.
Rising Discontent Fuels Defections
Defectors at the event cited deepening poverty, insecurity, and economic collapse as key motivations behind their decisions. Many accused the ruling elites of prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the Nigerian people.
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Lawal Batagarawa, a leader of the National Political Coalition Group, lamented the country’s economic hardship, highlighting the free fall of the naira, inflation, and rising unemployment.
“Nigerians must unite under the ADC to reclaim the country and restore hope,” Batagarawa said.
ADC Targets 2027 Presidency, Eyes Youth Mobilisation
According to Usman Musa Wamba, the ADC Chairman in Katsina, the party has begun grassroots mobilisation to challenge for federal power in 2027, leveraging what he described as “growing youth interest” and the collapse of trust in mainstream parties.
“We are building a movement grounded in fairness, good leadership, and real development. The people are tired of recycled failure,” Wamba said.
Aregbesola: “APC Left Me”
In Osogbo, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola made headlines after being appointed as the Interim National Secretary of the ADC. Speaking at a well-attended rally, Aregbesola said he never left the APC voluntarily but was forced out by internal betrayal.
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“I never left the APC. The APC left me. When we formed the Omoluabi group, they dragged us to court and expelled us. It was political betrayal,” Aregbesola said.
He also used the occasion to reassure supporters of his continued relevance and political clout, declaring his ADC appointment as a “reaffirmation” of his leadership value.
“Let no one intimidate us. This is ADC’s time in Osun, and we must take our message to every corner of the state,” he added.
ADC Expands Political Influence
The recent surge in membership across multiple states has significantly enhanced the ADC’s profile. With the high-profile defections of sitting lawmakers and influential political figures, the party is now seen as a serious contender for 2027.
ADC officials say preparations are already underway to field candidates in all elections, with plans to formalize the coalition with other minor parties and political pressure groups in the coming weeks.
Political watchers say the party’s success will depend on its ability to present a cohesive national agenda and avoid the internal wrangling that has plagued Nigeria’s legacy parties.
What’s Next?
As 2027 approaches, analysts predict that the ADC-led coalition may upend the long-standing APC-PDP duopoly, especially if Atiku Abubakar’s reported move to the party becomes official. The coming months will likely witness intensified political negotiations, alignments, and policy pronouncements from ADC leaders aiming to capture the national narrative.
For now, the ADC appears to be on the rise, offering what its new members call a “credible alternative” to the current political establishment.
TJ News Nigeria Recommended Articles:
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