The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has addressed growing speculation surrounding an alleged list of governors and federal lawmakers said to be preparing a mass defection to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In recent days, social media has been awash with claims that several high-ranking political office holders, including sitting governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives, were set to abandon their current parties for the ADC. The reports also suggested that the supposed political shift would be formally unveiled at a major rally in Abuja.
According to the viral message, five serving governors were named as part of the alleged move. They included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, as well as the governor of Zamfara State. The list further claimed that at least 18 senators and several members of the House of Representatives were involved in the planned defection.
However, the ADC has firmly rejected the claims. A senior party official stated that the party’s leadership had no knowledge of any such arrangement or planned political rally.
Reacting publicly, the Deputy National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, David Itopa, clarified that no official communication had been received regarding the rumored defections. He emphasized that while the party remains open to Nigerians who share its vision for national renewal, the reports circulating online were not based on any confirmed development within the party.
Itopa noted that the ADC continues to welcome individuals and groups interested in contributing to the country’s progress but stressed that there were no preparations for a mass defection or public announcement as alleged.
As the speculation around the ADC began to subside, attention within the political space shifted to activities within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The main opposition party has intensified consultations with prominent national figures as part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion and reposition itself ahead of future elections.
Speaking during a midweek television programme, the PDP South-South Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, revealed that the party had begun strategic engagements with influential Nigerians. He disclosed that consultations had already taken place with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military leader Ibrahim Babangida.
Ogidi explained that the outreach was aimed at reaffirming the PDP’s relevance and rebuilding confidence among key stakeholders. He also confirmed plans to meet with Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom maintain strong political ties to the PDP despite recent political realignments.
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Peter Obi, who served as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, left the PDP ahead of the 2023 polls to contest under the Labour Party before later associating with the ADC-led opposition coalition. Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, has also aligned himself with broader opposition efforts, further fueling discussions around possible alliances ahead of 2027.
With political permutations already unfolding, both the ADC and PDP appear focused on managing narratives and strengthening structures as Nigeria gradually moves toward another election cycle.