Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to officially register as a member of the African Democratic Congress today, a development that could change the structure of Nigeria’s opposition politics as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum. Atiku confirmed his decision during a meeting with supporters and leaders of the ADC in Adamawa State over the weekend. He restated his commitment to the growing coalition, which has been working to unite opposition voices under a single political platform. His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, also released a statement on Sunday that Atiku’s formal registration will influence the emerging political realignment across the country.
Atiku previously played a major role in the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform for several opposition leaders, but he and some other figures delayed their official registration. Rasheeth explained that Atiku will finalise his membership today by signing the necessary documents. Many political observers believe this step will help bring different opposition blocs together, especially at a time when discussions and negotiations are becoming stronger across party lines. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, several political groups are looking for a united structure to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party.
The Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, recently appealed to politicians who have aligned with the coalition to complete their registration and secure their membership cards. Yohanna said Atiku is expected in Yola this week for his birthday celebration and community support activities in Jada Local Government Area, and he believes the former vice president will use the visit to complete his ADC membership. He also mentioned that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and other opposition figures may follow the same path.
Atiku’s planned registration comes days after ADC leaders addressed concerns over why Atiku and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, were absent at the unveiling of the party’s new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17. The event was attended by ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Their absence triggered speculation that the coalition may be facing internal challenges.
David Mark described the new ADC secretariat as a symbol of the party’s ambition to influence Nigeria’s political direction. He said the building represents the goal of promoting good governance and a stronger democratic system. Responding to reports of disunity, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted there was no crisis. He said the unveiling ceremony was arranged on short notice, which affected attendance. According to him, Peter Obi was out of the country at the time while Atiku was unavailable due to personal engagements.
Abdullahi also dismissed claims that Obi might be reconsidering his relationship with the ADC coalition. He stressed that both Atiku and Obi remain committed to the coalition’s mission and have not withdrawn their support. He addressed another rumour involving the party’s new building, explaining that it was not donated by Atiku. The property had previously been leased by him, but his rent had expired, and the ADC later rented the building for its secretariat.
Peter Obi, who has remained silent in recent weeks, is still weighing his next political move. His former campaign spokesman and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. He explained that Obi is carefully considering where to seek his 2027 presidential ticket because he does not want to join a political structure where he may later feel restricted. Tanko said Obi is expected to make his political decision known after the Anambra governorship election, emphasising that his earlier timeline remains unchanged.
With Atiku completing his ADC registration and Obi still consulting widely, the ADC coalition is gradually strengthening its position in Nigeria’s political space. Many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the opposition groups will organise themselves in the coming months. As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the activities of the opposition will play a major role in shaping the country’s political direction.
