The African Democratic Congress (ADC), adopted as the official platform of Nigeria’s growing opposition coalition, is actively working to attract at least five sitting governors from PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, insiders have revealed to DAILY GAZETTE
Sources say the ADC sees the ongoing crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as fertile ground to convince governors to jump ship.
Already, five PDP state leaders have reportedly resigned to join the ADC.
At a Wednesday event, prominent coalition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark—formally brought ADC into the fold as their platform for 2027.
David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were introduced as Interim National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
High-profile APC defectors such as John Oyegun, Abubakar Malami, and Rotimi Amaechi were also present and have since joined the ADC.
Additionally, former PDP leaders including Uche Secondus, Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-governors Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Gabriel Suswam, Emeka Ihedioha, Babangida Aliyu, and Sam Egwu, have aligned themselves with the coalition.
DAILY GAZETTE also reports more recent defections from PDP officials in Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, and Borno states.
But the ADC’s rallying momentum has faced scrutiny.
PDP acting National Chairman Umar Damagum threatened to discipline those undermining the party, asserting that it remains united.
Pro-Tinubu commentator, Reno Omokri, dismissed the ADC as a gathering of “rejected politicians and former political office holders.”
APC’s South‑East Vice Chairman Ijeomah Arodiogbu added criticism, stating:
“The coalition is already starting on a bad footing. The party they have coalesced into is already having issues.”
“Some leaders of the party said they were not consulted and that they don’t want the newcomers… The lowest common multiple of the people driving the coalition is simply desperation for power. It is not about the Nigerian people… They don’t have anything to offer.”
Arodiogbu noted the absence of serving governors in the coalition and stressed the importance of such figures for electoral success.
DAILY GAZETTE spoke with an unnamed former Katsina senator who claimed:
“Five PDP governors have given us their commitment; they are going to join us, but they want to see the end of Wike’s drama in the PDP… What people don’t know is that some of the governors, including those in the APC, are supporting us.”
Another aide mentioned that coalition leaders were in discussions with seven governors, but did not disclose specific identities:
“Why are you interested in knowing the governors we’re talking to?… But I can tell you that we are talking to seven governors, and they are from the southern and northern parts of the country.”
Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu declined to respond when approached.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu weighed in on Friday, warning that the coalition’s efforts would fail. He accused the ADC of merely seeking to distract President Tinubu:
“The target is to distract the Commander‑in‑Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait.”
According to Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu’s “track record, achievements, and reform‑driven agenda” will carry him through 2027.
PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba dismissed the claims as baseless:
“Whoever told you that (PDP governors will join ADC) is hallucinating. Our governors are united… If anybody is imagining that there will be defection… it will be in the realm of hallucination.”
