ADC Eyes Five Governorship Seats Amid Criticism from Sanwo-Olu, Wike Over Coalition Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), newly adopted as the platform for a coalition of opposition leaders, is targeting at least five sitting governors ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources reveal the party aims to capitalize on internal rifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has already lost five prominent state leaders to the ADC. The move follows the coalition’s formal adoption of the ADC by key opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and David Mark.

Former Senate President David Mark and ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola have been named Interim National Chairman and Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the flagship party of Nigeria’s opposition coalition. High-profile defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed, including John Oyegun, Abubakar Malami, and Rotimi Amaechi. Top PDP figures such as Uche Secondus, Aminu Tambuwal, and former governors of six states have also thrown their weight behind the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC Launch Draws Kingibe, Sparks Criticism from PDP, APC, and Omokri

Labour Party senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, was among attendees at the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new platform for Nigeria’s opposition coalition. However, the move has drawn fire from critics. PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum cautioned against internal sabotage, while APC’s South-East Vice Chairman Ijeomah Arodiogbu dismissed the coalition’s strength, citing the lack of serving governors. Political commentator Reno Omokri also slammed the effort, calling it a union of “rejected politicians and ex-office holders.

Coalition Faces Early Cracks, Desperation Claims — APC Chieftain Says No Governors Back Move, ADC Insiders Disagree

APC South-East Vice Chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has dismissed the new opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming it lacks the critical support of sitting governors and is driven by “desperation for power.” He noted that unlike the APC merger that succeeded in 2015 with six governors, the new coalition lacks political weight and unity.

He also downplayed the influence of former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha in South-East politics, asserting that internal rifts have already begun within the ADC.

In contrast, ADC insiders insist momentum is growing behind the scenes. A former senator from Katsina revealed that five PDP governors have pledged support, awaiting the resolution of internal PDP conflicts, particularly involving Nyesom Wike. Another source confirmed that coalition leaders are in touch with seven governors from both the North and South, though names were withheld.

Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu declined to comment on the development.

ADC Coalition Gains Steam as More PDP Leaders Defect Amid Secret Funding by APC Governors — Dawop Alleges

A key source within the ADC has declined to confirm the identities of governors reportedly aligning with the opposition coalition, calling it a “top-secret matter.” However, mounting evidence suggests growing momentum behind the coalition challenging President Tinubu ahead of 2027.

Just weeks earlier, Dr. Sani Dawop, a Plateau State ADC chieftain, claimed that six to seven APC governors were secretly bankrolling the coalition. Speaking to Trust TV on June 9, Dawop said internal discontent within the APC was fueling quiet support for the opposition alliance.

Meanwhile, more PDP leaders have defected to the ADC following the formal adoption of the party as the coalition’s 2027 election platform. The latest wave includes influential figures from Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states.

Among them is former Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alex Adum, who, in a July 2 letter to his PDP ward chairman, declared his exit from the party to “rescue Nigeria.” The growing exodus has intensified concerns within the PDP, particularly in Northern states, about potential mass defections.

More PDP Stalwarts Resign Over Internal Crisis, Join ADC-Led Coalition to ‘Rescue Nigeria’

Former Attorney General of Benue State, Alex Adum, who has been a PDP member since 1998, officially resigned from the party, citing the PDP’s refusal to join the National Coalition Movement. Adum emphasized his desire to avoid partisan conflict as he moves toward new political engagements.

His departure was followed by that of former Benue Commissioner Olofu Samuel, who submitted his resignation to the Edikwu Ward 2 chairman in Apa LGA, Makurdi.

In Kano, party chieftain Ibrahim Amin left the PDP over persistent internal conflicts and alleged abandonment of democratic principles. In his resignation letter, Amin said the leadership tussles had “undermined internal cohesion,” prompting his switch to the coalition movement.

Other PDP leaders, including Mohammed Mukhtar from Suleja, Niger State, and Mukhtar Adam from Kano, also tendered resignation letters this week, further expanding the ranks of the ADC-aligned opposition. Many cited loss of faith in the PDP’s leadership and a shared commitment to “restore genuine democratic values” ahead of the 2027 general election.

PDP Leaders Continue Exodus as Gombe Guber Candidate, Others Resign — Party Denies Defection Rumors

Amid growing internal discontent, Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu (retd), the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Gombe State, officially resigned from the party on Thursday. His exit followed the resignation of a Kano PDP chieftain, who cited “persistent internal crises at both the national and state levels” in his letter to the Tundun Wada Ward chairman.

Despite the wave of defections, the PDP leadership has dismissed rumors of looming exits by its governors. Party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the claims as “hallucination,” insisting that PDP governors remained united and focused on preparations for the upcoming national convention.

“If anybody is imagining that there will be defection of governors from our party to the ADC, it will be in the realm of hallucination,” Ologunagba said.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu criticized the opposition coalition led by the ADC, calling it an ill-fated venture aimed at unseating President Tinubu in 2027.

Sanwo-Olu Slams Opposition Coalition: “Their 2027 Ambition Will Fail”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has strongly criticized the opposition coalition’s efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, declaring that “their ambition will fail.”

Speaking to journalists and political stakeholders on Friday, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a distraction tactic aimed at derailing the administration’s progress.

“The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel,” he said, adding, “but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait.”

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Nigerians would back Tinubu in 2027, citing the President’s bold reforms, achievements, and enduring leadership record as proof of his continued relevance and electability.