A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Okai, has urged prominent opposition figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the ADC ahead of forthcoming ward congresses.
Okai made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, also calling on members of the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Kabiru Turaki-led faction within the party to consider aligning with the ADC.
His call comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
The Court of Appeal on Monday upheld an earlier decision restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the outcome of the convention, leaving the party grappling with continued leadership uncertainty.
Okai said the development raised concerns about the validity of candidates that might emerge from the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the injunction against the Ibadan convention signals the likely direction of the Supreme Court,” he said.
“There is a high probability that all primaries will be concluded before the Supreme Court delivers a final determination.
If the convention is eventually nullified, every candidate produced under that structure will be automatically disqualified.”
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According to him, remaining in the PDP under the current circumstances poses a significant political risk for aspirants preparing for the next general elections.
“Staying in the PDP is a risk no serious politician should take. I therefore call on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and others to join the ADC,” he said.
Okai described the situation within the PDP as a major political challenge for party members with ambitions ahead of the 2027 polls, adding that the ADC is ready to provide an alternative platform.
He also urged grassroots supporters to take advantage of the party’s upcoming direct primaries by registering with the ADC and strengthening its structures across the country.
“We are inviting all progressives to embrace the ADC ahead of the ward congresses. This is the only way to build a viable alternative.
If we are to rescue the country, we must register now and move as a united front,” he added.