The African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, has dismissed growing speculations that the party is favoring any presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s position comes amid reports linking prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi as potential frontrunners for the ADC’s ticket.

Mark emphasized that the party has not endorsed any candidate and is focused on building a credible, inclusive political platform for all Nigerians. According to him, the ADC is creating a structure that prioritizes national interest over individual ambition, urging all members to regard themselves as equal stakeholders in the party’s vision. He stressed that the party belongs to every member and that the mission is to offer Nigerians a truly democratic alternative capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

Internal Dissent and Rising Concerns over Party Unity

Tensions within the party surfaced after ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, accused the current leadership of aligning with Atiku Abubakar’s camp. These claims fueled concerns that the ambitions of major political figures could potentially fragment the party’s unity. Mark responded to the accusations by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and neutrality. He reassured Nigerians that under his leadership, the ADC would remain open and democratic, serving as a platform for national renewal rather than personal interest.

Mass Defections Bolster ADC Across Key States

The ADC’s surge has sparked widespread defections from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics. In Borno State, the home state of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the ADC welcomed high-profile figures from both major parties, including Mohammed Kumalia, Saleh Kida, Ali Wurge, Babakura Yusuf, Abdulrazaq Zanna, and others.

These defections also included former governorship aspirant Idris Durkwa and youth mobilizer Sheriff Banki. Banki explained that the exodus was a direct result of public disillusionment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and a lack of confidence in the PDP’s leadership. He stated that many Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots level, were fed up with economic hardship and insecurity, both of which he attributed to failed policies under the current government.

In Gombe State, former APC State Organising Secretary Abdullahi Ataka confirmed his decision to join the ADC after prolonged consultations and strategic planning. Ataka highlighted the party’s renewed energy, inclusivity, and clear sense of direction as the reasons behind his defection. He expressed optimism that the ADC had the capacity to disrupt the status quo and become a vehicle for genuine political change.

Leaders Embrace Movement to Reshape Governance

ADC State Chairman Auwal Barde, during an expanded caucus meeting in Gombe, described the movement as a historic alliance built on accountability, inclusion, and the need to rescue the country from poor leadership. He announced that the ADC had opened its party registers across all 114 wards and 11 local government areas to welcome new members.

Former minister Abdullahi Umar also attended the meeting and emphasized that the coalition was not just formed to win elections, but to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted governance issues. He explained that the goal is to rebuild public institutions, tackle economic difficulties, and restore citizens’ faith in leadership.

In Jigawa State, the ADC overhauled its leadership by dissolving its executive council and inaugurating a new state exco led by former Deputy Governor Ahmed Gumel. This development followed the high-profile defection of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, a prominent PDP chieftain, who joined the coalition. Gumel declared that the ADC was positioning itself to become a major political force capable of challenging the APC’s dominance.

Momentum Builds in Ondo State as PDP Chieftains Join Coalition

In Akure, the Ondo State capital, former federal lawmaker Professor Bode Ayorinde led a meeting that signaled a dramatic political shift in the state. Ayorinde confirmed that several PDP heavyweights had already joined the ADC, including 2020 and 2024 PDP governorship candidates Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, former Ondo South senator Nicholas Tofowomo, former PDP chairman Tola Alabere, and ex-party spokesman Kennedy Peretei.

Ayorinde noted that the ADC’s rapid growth demonstrated the failure of the ruling APC and the fading credibility of the PDP. He revealed that initial meetings had only 25 attendees, but participation had since swelled to over 300 members. He added that Ondo State would leverage this momentum in the next gubernatorial election.

Peretei echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the ADC was quickly replacing the PDP as the dominant force in the state. He noted that party structures in at least two local governments had already collapsed into the ADC, and he criticized those still in power for attacking personalities rather than addressing the legitimate frustrations of Nigerians.

PDP Responds with Denials and Strategy Meetings

Despite mounting defections, PDP leaders have downplayed the significance of the shift. PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Kamorudeen Ajisafe, stated that he was unaware of any official resignations by Jegede and Ajayi. He insisted that without formal letters of resignation, such defections remain unverified rumors. Ajisafe also revealed that a South West Zonal Caucus meeting had been scheduled to bolster member morale and prevent further defections.

In Gombe, PDP Publicity Secretary Abdulkadir Dukku claimed that the party had not received any formal resignations from members who joined the ADC. He stressed that those who left the party without resigning had done so at their own discretion and would no longer represent PDP interests.

PDP leaders in the Federal Capital Territory also rejected reports of coalition activity. At a ceremony for party candidates ahead of the 2026 Area Council elections, acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum emphasized that the party remained strong and united across the FCT. He warned party officials against collaborating with opposition groups and promised firm disciplinary measures for anti-party behavior.

Federal Government Maintains Focus Amid Political Storm

Amid the growing political uncertainty, the federal government has reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to national development. In a statement issued by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, the administration dismissed claims that it was being distracted by opposition movements. The minister stated that the Tinubu government remained focused on delivering reforms and tackling economic challenges.

Idris pointed to tangible progress in curbing crude oil theft, restoring investor confidence, stabilizing the naira, and reducing inflation. He also highlighted policies aimed at improving everyday life, including student loans, consumer credit access, and the agricultural mechanization program. He insisted that the administration would not be derailed by political speculation or partisan distractions.

APC Dismisses ADC as Power-Hungry Opportunists

The APC fired back at the ADC’s rising popularity, accusing it of spreading misinformation and acting out of desperation. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the APC denied allegations that it held secret meetings to destabilize the ADC and dismissed the party’s claims as unsubstantiated and deceitful.

Morka characterized the ADC coalition as a gathering of failed politicians driven by bitterness and unrealistic ambitions. He questioned the credibility of its members and mocked their inability to manage internal party affairs. According to him, the ADC lacks the competence and vision to offer any real alternative to President Tinubu’s administration.

He also criticized the coalition’s prominent figures, including Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and others, citing what he described as their underwhelming leadership track records. Morka asserted that the APC remains focused on delivering national transformation and that Nigerians would not be swayed by what he called “deception and propaganda.”

ADC Counters with Legal Firepower

In response to a legal challenge filed against its interim leadership, the ADC announced that 97 lawyers had been mobilized to defend the party in court. The suit, filed by three individuals—Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Victor Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila—seeks to remove Senator David Mark as interim chairman. The claimants argue that the leadership handover violated a previous court ruling.

The ADC accused the APC of orchestrating the lawsuit using individuals who are not registered members of the party. It described the move as a desperate tactic and emphasized that its legal and digital records did not include the claimants’ names. The party pledged to resist all attempts to destabilize its progress and maintain its commitment to legal integrity.

With the 2027 elections inching closer, Nigeria’s political environment is heating up rapidly. The ADC’s emergence as a strong coalition has disrupted the status quo, drawing widespread support across states, generating legal battles, and triggering reactions from both the PDP and the APC. Whether this momentum will lead to real political transformation or fizzle out under pressure remains to be seen.