Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, marking one of the most significant political shifts ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
His decision ends months of speculation following his quiet disengagement from the Peoples Democratic Party, the party under which he previously contested the presidency and maintained a long-standing political influence.
Atiku made the announcement on Monday through a post on X, where he shared photographs from a brief but symbolic registration ceremony held in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The images showed him receiving his ADC membership card, signing his membership form, and posing with a customised “Waziri 01” jersey—an emblematic nod to his traditional title and political identity.
The event drew a notable crowd, including party leaders, supporters, and community stakeholders who gathered to witness the formal declaration.
Observers described the atmosphere as celebratory, with supporters chanting and recording the moment on their phones as Atiku held up his completed forms.
Accompanying the images was a short caption: “It’s official. – AA,” signalling a decisive end to political uncertainty surrounding his next move.
His exit from the PDP had sparked nationwide debates over his future, particularly as conversations around coalition-building and party alignments intensified ahead of the 2027 polls.
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Sources close to the former vice president had earlier hinted that his birthday visit to Adamawa would serve as the opportunity to finalise his next political home.
The visit reportedly included strategic meetings, consultations, and community engagements that paved the way for Monday’s announcement.
Atiku’s decision to join the ADC is expected to reshape political calculations, especially within opposition circles.
With his base of loyal supporters, long-standing national presence, and vast political network, his move signals a potential shift in the balance of power as parties begin positioning for the coming election cycle.
While neither Atiku nor the ADC has released a detailed statement outlining the terms of his new political alignment, analysts are already projecting that his entry into the party could strengthen its national visibility and negotiation power.
The ADC, traditionally positioned as a third-force party, may now attract more high-profile figures ahead of 2027.
The former vice president’s move also raises questions about the future of the PDP, where internal divisions and leadership disagreements have intensified since the aftermath of the 2023 elections.
Atiku’s departure—after serving for years as one of the party’s most recognisable figures—will likely trigger fresh conversations about restructuring and alliances within the opposition.
As the political landscape begins to shift, Atiku’s next steps within the ADC and the strategies he adopts in the coming months will be closely watched across the country.
Prompt News
