EXCLUSIVE: 31 Serving Reps, 26 Senators Set to Join ADC Coalition After Atiku’s Defection

31 Serving Reps, 26 Senators Set to Join ADC Coalition After Atiku’s Defection

No fewer than 31 serving members of the House of Representatives and 26 senators have reportedly concluded plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, following the dramatic resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Earlier today, News Week Nigeria reported that Atiku resigned from the PDP in his home state of Adamawa, signaling a major break with the party.

The defection is expected to have wide-ranging implications, especially with key political figures now considering joining forces with the ADC.

Tinubu’s Campaign Chief Dumps APC for ADC

In a parallel political tremor, Aliyu Saulawa, a former campaign coordinator for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also officially defected to the ADC. The move took place during the inauguration of the ADC Katsina State chapter on Sunday.

Saulawa, who previously served as the Director of Media for the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation and National Coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement, cited worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and unfulfilled promises as reasons for his departure from the APC.

“I can no longer align myself with a party that has abandoned its promises, especially to the North. The suffering is unbearable, and it’s time for a new direction,” Saulawa declared.

Hundreds of members from the APC, PDP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also defected during the event held at the Continental Event Centre in Katsina. The gathering, led by Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, drew participants from all 34 local government areas in the state.

Defectors pointed to growing poverty, insecurity, and economic collapse as driving factors behind their decision, claiming the ruling elites have failed to protect citizens’ livelihoods.

ADC Gains Momentum, Targets 2027

Addressing attendees, Lawal Batagarawa of the National Political Coalition Group decried the country’s worsening economic conditions — including the plummeting naira, rising inflation, and widespread business closures.

“Nigerians must unite under the ADC to reclaim the country and restore hope,” Batagarawa urged.

The ADC Chairman in Katsina, Usman Musa Wamba, said the party is now better positioned to challenge for power in 2027, especially with growing youth interest.

“We are building a movement grounded in fairness, good leadership, and real development. The people are tired of recycled failure,” he said.

Aregbesola Declares: “APC Left Me”

Meanwhile, in Osogbo, former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was welcomed in grand style following his appointment as the Interim National Secretary of the ADC. Speaking at a rally, Aregbesola hit back at the APC, saying he was unjustly forced out of the party he helped build.

“I never left the APC. The APC left me. When we formed the Omoluabi group, they dragged us to court and expelled us. It was political betrayal,” Aregbesola told supporters.

The former minister said his ADC appointment is proof that his political value remains intact. He revealed that the party is already laying groundwork for the 2026 Osun governorship election and warned supporters not to be distracted by internal crises in other parties.

“Let no one intimidate us. This is ADC’s time in Osun, and we must take our message to every corner of the state,” he said.

Aregbesola also defended his legacy as governor, pointing to investments in education, infrastructure, and school feeding programs.