Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to officially register with the African Democratic Congress today, Monday, November 24, marking what many describe as a major turning point for the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku had told ADC members and stakeholders in Adamawa over the weekend that he would formalise his membership today.
His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, confirmed the move on Sunday, November 24, saying, “Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially join the ADC tomorrow, a move that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape.”
Rasheeth added that Atiku’s announcement in Adamawa was part of a wider realignment among opposition figures seeking a unified front for 2027.
Although Atiku led the July adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition leaders challenging President Bola Tinubu, he, Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal had held back from formally registering.
That hesitation prompted calls last week from the Adamawa ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, who urged key figures, including Lawal, to take up full membership.
Questions around the coalition’s cohesion resurfaced recently, but ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed claims of division.
He explained that the absence of major leaders at a recent event was logistical, not political.
“Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available,” he said. “There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”
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Abdullahi also addressed rumours linking a building to Atiku, clarifying its status.
“Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC.
“He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.” He insisted the leadership remained united in its goal of unseating President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has maintained a public silence, though his allies insist he remains committed to the coalition.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, rejected claims that Obi might pull out.
“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from. He will make a statement soon because he needs to get it right now that a lot of people are showing interest in him,” he said.
Tanko explained that Obi was carefully weighing his options for the 2027 presidential ticket.
“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. So he needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket.
“Our hope is that since the presidency is the turn of a southern candidate, the ADC will be looking to give him the ticket.”
He added that Obi had already set his timeline. “Already, he said he would make his intention known after the Anambra election. And he will do it at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he said.