Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cementing his defection from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and positioning himself within the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku completed his registration at Jada Ward 1 in his hometown of Jada Local Government Area, sharing a photo of his membership card on X with the caption: “It’s official.” His move follows the ADC’s adoption in July 2025 as the coalition platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The defection aligns with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s recent revalidation of his ADC membership on November 19 in Ilesa East LGA, where he urged existing members to revalidate and newcomers to enroll, framing the party as the principal anti-Tinubu front.

Atiku’s departure from the PDP, announced in July amid accusations of internal sabotage, comes as the party struggles with factional infighting. The PDP’s instability was underscored by a violent clash at its headquarters on November 18 between camps loyal to Nyesom Wike and Kabiru Turaki.

As the PDP faces further erosion, Atiku—its 2023 presidential candidate—now strengthens ADC’s ambitions. Party insiders suggest his entry signals a broader realignment, with Atiku expected to seek the ADC’s presidential ticket for 2027.