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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed circulating reports claiming that several serving governors and federal lawmakers are preparing to defect to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification follows widespread speculation on social media suggesting an imminent wave of high-profile defections as part of an emerging opposition realignment.
Ejes Gist News reports that the party’s leadership has formally distanced itself from the claims, describing them as unverified and unsupported by any official communication.
Viral Claims Spark Political Speculation
In recent days, a message widely shared across multiple online platforms alleged that prominent political office holders were finalising plans to join the ADC. The claims further suggested that the purported defections would be unveiled at a major political rally in Abuja.
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The viral list named five sitting governors, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and the governor of Zamfara State. It also alleged that no fewer than 18 senators and several members of the House of Representatives were involved in the supposed move.
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The reports quickly gained traction, fuelling debate about a potential large-scale political realignment ahead of the next general election cycle.
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ADC Denies Knowledge of Planned Defections
Reacting to the reports, the ADC said it had no official knowledge of any such plans. A senior party official confirmed that the leadership had not received any formal communication from the politicians named in the viral messages.
Speaking on behalf of the party, the Deputy National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, David Itopa, dismissed the claims, stating that no arrangements had been made for mass defections or a political rally as suggested online.
“On this matter, we do not have any information,” Itopa said. “However, the party remains open to all well-meaning Nigerians who are interested in contributing to national development.”
He added that while the ADC continues to receive new members across the country, any significant political movement into the party would follow established procedures and be formally communicated through official channels.
Party Maintains Open-Door Policy
The ADC reiterated its commitment to operating as an inclusive political platform, noting that individual politicians are free to join the party at any time. However, it stressed that claims of coordinated defections involving serving governors and lawmakers should not be treated as factual without confirmation from the party leadership.
Party officials warned that speculative reports could mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension, particularly in an already fluid pre-election environment.
Attention Shifts to PDP Consultations
As speculation around the ADC reports subsided, political focus shifted to developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has intensified consultations with key national figures as part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion and reposition the party ahead of future elections.
During a televised programme aired midweek, the PDP’s South-South National Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, disclosed that the party had begun reaching out to influential Nigerians across political and generational lines.
According to Ogidi, the consultations are aimed at rebuilding confidence in the PDP and reinforcing its role within Nigeria’s democratic system.
PDP Engages Key National Figures
Ogidi confirmed that PDP leaders had already held discussions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.
He said the outreach was part of a broader strategy to reconnect with individuals considered critical to national political stability and democratic development.
“We are making the rounds,” Ogidi said. “We have already met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Ibrahim Babangida. The goal is to show that the PDP is active, organised, and repositioning itself.”
He also disclosed plans to meet other prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Obi, Atiku, and Opposition Alignments
Both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar maintain longstanding political ties with the PDP. Obi was Atiku’s running mate during the 2019 presidential election before leaving the party and contesting the 2023 polls under the Labour Party platform. He later aligned with a broader opposition coalition involving the ADC.
Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has also been associated with ongoing opposition consultations, further fuelling speculation about possible alliances and realignments ahead of 2027.
Political Landscape Remains Fluid
With parties reassessing strategies and holding consultations across political divides, Nigeria’s pre-2027 political environment remains highly fluid. While the ADC has denied knowledge of any mass defections, the sustained interest in opposition coalition-building underscores growing manoeuvring across party lines.
As discussions continue behind closed doors, analysts note that formal declarations, rather than social media claims, are likely to define the next phase of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
