Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, a step his camp said would significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku confirmed the decision during an address to ADC supporters and stakeholders in Adamawa over the weekend.
“I will be registering with the African Democratic Congress on Monday,” he told the gathering, stressing that the coalition party offers a platform for opposition unity.
His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, reinforced the announcement in a statement on Sunday.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to officially join the ADC tomorrow, a move that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape,” Rasheeth wrote on his X account.
He added that the registration “marks a decisive step in the broader opposition realignment currently underway.”
Atiku had earlier in July led the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform for opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. However, he and other prominent leaders, including Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, had delayed formal registration. Last week, Adamawa ADC Chairman Shehu Yohanna urged Lawal and others to “officially register as authentic members of the party” to strengthen the coalition’s credibility.
The move comes just days after the ADC clarified why Atiku and Obi were absent from the unveiling of its new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed speculation of disunity, saying: “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available. There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”
Abdullahi also addressed claims that Obi avoided the event because the building had previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. “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 clarified.
Atiku’s formal registration today is expected to mark a turning point in consolidating opposition forces under the ADC as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
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