Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what many see as a major political realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The announcement was made on 24 November 2025, when Atiku registered and collected his ADC membership card in his hometown in Adamawa State.
Atiku’s move comes on the heels of his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in July, when he cited irreconcilable differences over the party’s direction.
In a post on his verified X account (formerly Twitter), Atiku shared a photo of himself holding the membership card, captioning it simply “It’s official.”
At a registration ceremony in Adamawa, party leaders expressed optimism that Atiku’s entry will strengthen the ADC’s national profile. According to Saldq Yar’Adua, National Secretary of the ADC Registration and Mobilisation Committee, the former vice-president’s endorsement signals a new chapter of opposition unity.
Atiku framed his move as more than a change of party: “Now the real opposition has begun,” he said, calling on his supporters and Nigerians to register with the ADC and build what he described as a “new political front.”
Political analysts argue that Atiku’s formal membership will significantly bolster the ADC’s chances ahead of 2027. The party has already been adopted by a coalition of opposition leaders including Peter Obi and David Mark as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
With Atiku now onboard, the ADC is positioning itself as a major opposition force. The question now is whether the coalition can convert this momentum into broad-based support across Nigeria, particularly in swing states, and translate it into electoral success.
