Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of speculation about his political future since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On Monday, Atiku completed his registration at Jada Ward 1 in his home state of Adamawa, collecting his ADC membership card in a high-profile ceremony.
Announcing the move on his X account, Atiku posted a photo of himself holding the party card simply captioned, “It’s official.”
His defection comes after he resigned from the PDP in July, citing “irreconcilable differences” and accusing the party of straying from its founding values.
Atiku’s decision to join the ADC is being viewed as a defining moment in Nigeria’s opposition politics. He described his registration as the beginning of “the real opposition,” calling on supporters nationwide to rally around the ADC and declaring the party as a new political front.
The registration event in Adamawa was attended by leading figures of the ADC coalition, including Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua, who oversaw the formal process.
ADC state leaders seized on the opportunity, urging citizens—especially youth and women—to embrace the party and take part in building a stronger opposition force.
Atiku’s move is also seen as a signal of consolidation within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the ADC has emerged as a coalition platform.
The ADC’s growing appeal reflects its ambition to unify fragmented parties and present a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Not everyone, however, is convinced. Critics—including a former PDP legal adviser—have dismissed Atiku’s shift as yet another example of political “shopping,” arguing that his frequent party changes undermine his credibility.
