ADC Directs Coalition Members to Resign from Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections, APC and PDP Dismiss Move

The leadership of the opposition coalition has directed its members to resign from their current political parties and fully join the African Democratic Congress, although no deadline was given for the transition. The directive was announced in Abuja on Thursday by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, after a caucus meeting that brought together senior party leaders and prominent political figures.

Since the ADC was unveiled on July 2 as the coalition’s platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, some opposition leaders have defected while many others are yet to formally leave their parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for instance, has left the Peoples Democratic Party but has not officially joined the ADC. Similarly, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other figures remain in their parties despite associating with the coalition.

Abdullahi clarified that issues surrounding the African Democratic Association had been settled and that the caucus had agreed that all members must resign from their existing parties. “Though final order has been given to all members to resign membership of other political parties, the caucus was silent on the timeline. All the presidential aspirants have agreed to support whoever wins the primaries,” he said.

He also revealed that the National Working Committee will soon release the schedule for primaries in Osun and Ekiti states ahead of off-cycle governorship polls. Leaders at the caucus meeting included ADC National Chairman David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

APC, PDP, and NNPP React
The ruling All Progressives Congress dismissed the directive, saying it posed no threat. APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim told newsmen that the development would not unsettle the party. “This is nothing to frighten or put the APC in any state of embarrassment. As a matter of fact, the political atmosphere has given people room to realign. The APC has been receiving defectors and will only grow in strength. The ADC does not have the capacity to rattle the APC,” he said.

The PDP also played down the move. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described it as an opportunity for political parties to identify their true members. “It’s even good we know those who are of the ADC, those who are of the APC, and those who are of the PDP. This country has over 240 million Nigerians. Many can join any party, it’s not about my party but about Nigerians becoming more sensitised and part of the process” he said.

The New Nigeria People’s Party also dismissed fears of losing its members. NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson likened the situation to a transfer window in football. “As you are losing some people, you are gaining others. We believe we will gain more than we will lose, especially among the youth,” he said, stressing that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and the North-West would play a decisive role in 2027.

The Labour Party declined comment, with factional spokesman Obiora Ifoh saying, “Whatever decision ADC wants to take is for them and their supporters.”

ADC Rallies Voters
Meanwhile, the ADC urged Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and join the movement to “rescue Ogun State and Nigeria” from what it described as years of mismanagement under the APC. The party cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s past remarks that the ADC would grow strong enough to take over governance by 2027 as inspiration for its renewed push.