While the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to celebrate high-profile defections into its fold, a quieter but significant political movement is taking shape in Nigeria. A growing number of politicians are choosing to leave the ruling party or the struggling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In the North-West, following the APC’s assumption of power in Zamfara State, former commissioner for education, science, and technology Wadatau Madawaki resigned from his position and pledged loyalty to the PDP. “I only resigned because the governor is joining the APC. I’m a PDP member; I’ve never been an APC, and I’m not ready to be an APC member,” Madawaki told Channels Television.
In the South-East, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi officially registered with the ADC in his hometown of Agulu, Anambra State. Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, emphasized that the 2027 election would be “Nigerians against bad leadership” rather than a contest defined by party lines. Similarly, former deputy governor of Imo State Eze Madumere severed ties with the APC after years of membership, citing a “deep personal reflection” and a desire to explore new political paths.
The defection wave is also evident in the National Assembly. Nine senators, including Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) and Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), left their parties to join the ADC, citing internal crises and divisions within the PDP. In the House of Representatives, Reps. Afam Ogene, Peter Aniekwe, and Lilian Orogbu also moved to the ADC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the defections, saying they are “not for personal gain, but in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy” and highlighting the importance of a credible opposition for accountability and good governance.
Political analysts, such as Dayo Akintobi, suggest that the ADC is benefiting from the collapse of the PDP, which has long been Nigeria’s leading opposition party. “The PDP is a sinking ship, and the rats are all running away. They are looking for a comfortable place, at least where they can aspire to an office,” Akintobi said, noting that the ADC is adopting strategies similar to those of President Bola Tinubu.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, this wave of defections signals a potential reshaping of Nigeria’s political order, with the ADC emerging as a key player challenging both the APC and the imploding PDP.
