Credibility Questions as Atiku, PDP Defectors Boost Adamawa ADC

Momentum continues to rise around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, but the political landscape has become increasingly complex. With Governor Ahmadu Fintiri holding firm in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Atiku Abubakar’s departure, and Dr. Umar Ardo driving the emerging All Democrats Alliance (ADA), the race toward the 2027 governorship election is shaping up to be highly unpredictable.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s formal entry into the ADC on November 24, 2025, his third major departure from the PDP, has reignited political competition in the state. Unlike his 2014 defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), this latest move did not cause a major split within the PDP. However, it has intensified speculation about his influence on the 2027 governorship outcome.

Atiku was joined at his ADC unveiling by several notable political figures, including ex-Governor Jibrilla Bindow, Senators Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), Aziz Nyako, Barata, and Ishaku Abbo, raising questions about the future of Governor Fintiri’s control of the PDP in Adamawa.

Fintiri’s strained relationship with Atiku reportedly worsened after North-East governors urged the former Vice President to retire from presidential contests, an appeal Atiku ignored as he plotted new political strategies ahead of 2027.

Analysts believe the coming governorship contest will be crucial for Fintiri, who will be working to secure his succession while protecting his political future. His narrow victory over APC’s Binani in 2023 remains a reminder of how fiercely contested the state can be.

As ADC gathers former PDP and APC powerbrokers, concerns are mounting that Binani and Bindow may face off again for the ADC ticket. Insiders say Atiku may favour Binani, which could push Bindow toward a senatorial ambition.

For Senator Ishaku Abbo, who lost his Senate seat in 2023 following a Court of Appeal judgment, aligning with Atiku in the ADC could pave the way for a comeback attempt in Adamawa North.

Still, Atiku’s return to grassroots politics will face stiff tests once Governor Fintiri deploys the full weight of incumbency. Furthermore, a potential three-way contest is emerging, as former Atiku ally and SDP governorship candidate, Dr. Umar Ardo, is expected to run again, this time under the unregistered but growing ADA platform.

Ardo downplayed Atiku’s ADC move, insisting ADA would remain a strong counterforce once legally registered. He criticized what he described as Atiku’s personalised political ambitions, contrasting them with ADA’s goal of “reshaping Nigeria.”

He noted that while Atiku has attracted influential defectors, ADA should not be written off, saying, “Let us first register ADA; then everyone will know whether we can be muscled or not.”

Political watchers say the wider northern political environment remains unsettled as figures like Ibrahim Shekarau, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir el-Rufai, and Abubakar Malami continue exploring new political alignments ahead of 2027.

Atiku officially registered with ADC in his Jada 1 Ward, where he declared, “Now the real opposition has begun. We will chase APC out of government.” The ADC leadership announced that his registration marks the start of a statewide membership drive targeting youths and women.

As ADC rises to become one of the leading political forces in Adamawa, it remains unclear whether it can replicate the 2015 scenario when Atiku’s defection to APC helped deliver a governorship victory for Bindow. With Fintiri’s PDP and Ardo’s ADA also preparing for battle, Adamawa is poised for one of the most competitive political showdowns ahead of 2027.