Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), picking up his membership card at his Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State on Monday, marking a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move comes months after Atiku resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing “irreconcilable differences,” and signals a new opposition strategy against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku’s registration drew a large crowd and prominent political figures, including former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani. Speaking to journalists, Atiku declared, “Now I have picked my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will chase the All Progressives Congress out of government.”

Oshiomhole and APC Officials Slam Atiku

The registration sparked immediate backlash from APC leaders. Former Edo State Governor and APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, described Atiku as a “serial loser” and a defector who lacks the ability to lead Nigeria. In a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole said:

“This was a man who, as vice-president from 1999 to 2007, decamped from the PDP rather than reform it. He then ported to the APC claiming to be a founding member, lost the primaries to Buhari, and went back to the PDP. If you couldn’t fix your party, how can you lead Nigeria?”

Oshiomhole also criticized former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for failing to deliver in office, questioning his political relevance.

Similarly, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Duru, in an interview with The PUNCH, said the political landscape remains fluid ahead of 2027, pointing to multiple opposition parties such as the Labour Party, PDP, and the emerging ADC coalition.

“We are not underwriting or underrating any person. We are not even aware that any of these parties have chosen a candidate for the 2027 election,” Duru said.

ADC Faction Disowns Atiku

Atiku’s registration was immediately contested by a faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala, which claimed the exercise was “illegitimate.” According to Christopher Okechukwu, ADC Director of Media and Public Affairs:

“This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters. Atiku is not yet a recognised member.”

The faction warned that Atiku might be using the ADC as leverage while awaiting a potential reconciliation with the PDP. They insisted that proper registration with authentic party executives is necessary before he could enjoy full membership rights.

Absence of Key Allies

Notably, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who is an ally of Atiku, was absent from the ceremony. Speaking to The PUNCH, Lawal said Atiku shifted the registration date from Sunday to Monday, conflicting with his personal schedule.

“I told Atiku that my absence at the ceremony would give different interpretations to many people concerning our new party, but he gave deaf ears to my advice,” Lawal explained.