Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly denied reports that he is planning to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing such claims as fake news. The perennial presidential hopeful remains a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has been adopted as the platform for the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Paul Ibe, a key member of the Atiku Media Office, reiterated that Atiku has no intention of switching parties again. Ibe stated that the former vice president considers the ADC as his final political destination, echoing his earlier declaration in 2015 when he called the All Progressives Congress (APC) his last bus stop.
Atiku is expected to contest for the ADC presidential ticket when the party holds its primary election later in May 2026. The recent defection of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former NNPP flagbearer, from the ADC to the NDC has added a new twist to the 2027 election race. Both former governors met with NDC leader Senator Seriake Dickson on Sunday, May 3, and were presented with membership cards after lengthy deliberations.
Atiku Dismisses Defection Rumors
Following Obi and Kwankwaso's move, reports emerged of alleged contacts between the NDC and Atiku's allies, suggesting a possible midweek announcement. Responding to these claims, Ibe posted on his verified X account that no such discussions are taking place involving the Adamawa-born political heavyweight. He wrote: "This is fake news. H.E @atiku is on board the @ADCNig train. His destination remains the last stop of the train."
Galadima Urges Atiku to Join NDC
Meanwhile, Buba Galadima, a senior figure in the NDC, has called on Atiku to join the party, warning that he could be held responsible if opposition forces fail to unite ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, May 4, Galadima argued that momentum is shifting toward a consolidated opposition platform, with several prominent figures already taking positions within the NDC. He said, "The truth of the matter is that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso migrated into the ADC; they brought unity of opposition to unseat Tinubu," while alleging that earlier efforts at opposition cohesion were undermined. Galadima urged Atiku to follow suit, stressing that unity remains the only viable path to challenging the ruling APC.
Galadima added: "This is why I am making this call on former vice president Atiku Abubakar to follow us as we followed him… such that there will be a unity of opposition to unseat this government."
Atiku Not Yet Retired
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that ahead of the 2027 elections, Atiku accused anti-democratic elements of attempting to create confusion and dampen the momentum of the ADC. According to a statement from his media office, the former vice president said insinuations that he has quit active politics are fake news. Atiku remains committed to his political journey, with his camp insisting that the ADC is his final stop.
