From PDP to ADC: Atiku Abubakar Officially Switches Camps

Former Vice PresidentAtiku Abubakar has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of speculation and marking one of the biggest political shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His official registration took place in Yola, Adamawa State, where he personally collected his ADC membership card something insiders say he insisted on doing physically rather than through representatives.

Atiku delayed the announcement because he wanted a symbolic, public entry into the new opposition coalition. Supporters who gathered in Yola erupted with loud approval as he held up his membership slip. According to Vanguard

While addressing the crowd, Atiku declared:

“There is a new political movement in Nigeria today… our new party is the ADC.”

He then asked the crowd, “Will you accept me?” The supporters responded with a resounding “Yes,” .

This move places Atiku squarely inside the opposition coalition that has been forming around the ADC for months. The party has become a rallying point for major figures frustrated with the direction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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Opposition Politics Set for Major Shake-Up

Atiku’s defection is expected to reshape the battle lines ahead of the 2027 elections. His movement aligns with the broader coalition being quietly built by figures including Peter Obi, though Obi has not yet officially joined the ADC.

According to Lions Crib, both men have been working through the coalition to challenge what they see as the growing dominance of the ruling APC.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told Withinnigeria that the coalition is driven by a shared fear that Nigeria risks sliding into a one-party political system.

He noted that the opposition must come together “not out of desperation, but out of necessity.”

Predictably, the ruling APC is not impressed. The Lagos chapter of the party said Atiku’s move reflects “pure political desperation,” .

APC officials argued that changing parties repeatedly will not strengthen Atiku’s credibility, though analysts say the ADC now stands to gain significantly from his national structure and influence.

The ADC itself has been undergoing internal restructuring. The party has strengthened its presence across northern states, absorbing disgruntled former PDP members and building grassroots units in key battleground regions.

With Atiku now officially inside the party, ADC leaders say they intend to maintain transparency and internal democracy despite the influx of high-profile politicians.

Political watchers are now turning attention to whether Peter Obi will formalize his movement into the ADC. Several sources, including NigerianEye, suggest his registration is now a matter of timing rather than possibility.

If he joins, the coalition could instantly become the strongest opposition block since 2015.

For now, Atiku’s formal entry into the ADC is seen as a bold first step in restructuring Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

“Today, we are here  we are ADC. This movement carries the hope of Nigeria,” Atiku said as he closed his address in Yola.

His message was simple: a new chapter has begun, and the race to 2027 is officially underway.