Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially completed his transition to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking his seventh political defection in an extensive career spanning over three decades.
The political veteran announced his move on Monday, November 24, 2025, through his official X account, where he shared photographic evidence of receiving his ADC membership card in his hometown of Adamawa State.
Official Party Switch Confirmed
Accompanied by the simple caption "It's official," the photos showed Atiku surrounded by enthusiastic supporters who gathered to witness the significant political event. This development comes exactly four months after he terminated his membership with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in July 2025.
The former presidential candidate's departure from PDP followed prolonged internal crises that had rocked the opposition party. His exit occurred just two weeks after prominent opposition leaders collectively adopted the ADC as their preferred political platform for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a formal resignation letter dated July 16 and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Atiku cited irreconcilable differences and a noticeable shift in the party's direction away from its founding principles as the primary reasons for his departure.
Political Journey Through Multiple Parties
Atiku's entrance into the ADC continues a political odyssey characterized by frequent defections and strategic realignments throughout his quest for Nigeria's highest political office.
Since entering politics in the early 1980s, the former Vice President has navigated through several political parties, consistently building consensus to advance his political interests. His political journey includes:
- Social Democratic Party (SDP) - Where he initially contested presidential primaries in 1993
- United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) - During General Sani Abacha's transition program
- People's Democratic Party (PDP) - Multiple stints including his vice presidency
- Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) - Following fallout with President Obasanjo
- All Progressives Congress (APC) - After the merger of opposition parties in 2013
- African Democratic Congress (ADC) - Current political home
Decades of Strategic Movements
Atiku's political career has been marked by calculated movements between parties. After teaming up with General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, who initially drew him into politics, he emerged as National Vice-chairman of the Peoples Front of Nigeria in 1989.
When the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida denied recognition to the People's Front as a political party, Atiku had limited options between the government-created Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC), ultimately choosing the former.
His most recent political trajectory saw him return to PDP for the third time in 2017, where he secured the party's presidential ticket for both the 2019 and 2023 elections, though unsuccessful in both attempts. The protracted crisis within PDP ultimately led to his July 2024 departure and subsequent November 2025 formal joining of ADC.
This latest move positions Atiku within the ADC framework as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for another potential presidential bid from the seasoned politician.
