Atiku Yet To Endorse ADA — Aide Hints at Deep Divisions Over 2027 Platform

A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clarified that neither Atiku nor his political group has adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their coalition platform for the 2027 elections, contrary to earlier media reports.

Demola Olarenwaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to the former Vice President, stated on Saturday that discussions were still ongoing within the coalition, and no final decision had been made.

This clarification comes amid reports that the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), aligned with Atiku, had submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking registration of ADA as a political party ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, opposition to Atiku’s move has emerged from within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially among state governors and senior stakeholders. Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under the PDP and was its presidential candidate in 2023, is now facing resistance from party loyalists who fear that the formation of ADA signals his imminent departure from the PDP.

Sources within the party disclosed that Atiku and his key allies, including former Senate President David Mark and former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, may soon formally exit the party. Mark reportedly chaired the NNCG meeting where the decision to seek registration for ADA was taken.

There are growing concerns within the PDP that once ADA is approved by INEC, many supporters of Atiku, Mark, and Tambuwal will defect from the party, further weakening its already fragile structure. The PDP has already lost two governors—Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the past month.

Responding to the developments, Olarenwaju criticized media organizations for their handling of the matter. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he said:

“A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition. ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed about the appropriate choices and decisions. Just be patient with that.”

Meanwhile, the looming departure of Atiku and other heavyweights has triggered anxiety within the PDP. Sources say the party leadership is now scrambling for a response to the unfolding crisis.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, declined to comment when contacted. However, it is understood that some governors and stakeholders previously opposed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu are now reconsidering their stance in order to foster party unity.

A senior party official revealed that ongoing internal disagreements—particularly those challenging Anyanwu’s legitimacy as National Secretary—have threatened preparations for the June 30 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the proposed national convention in August.

“With the ADA issue now in the mix, it’s evident that the party needs reconciliation. The Saraki-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee may be the last hope for resolving these internal rifts,” the source said.

The source further noted that Wike, buoyed by a recent Supreme Court ruling validating Anyanwu’s position, remains a powerful force within the party. PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, is said to have withdrawn from the disputes challenging Wike and Anyanwu.

In defense of Atiku, one of his loyalists, Professor Tunde Olusunle, argued that the former Vice President is not to blame for the PDP’s troubles.

“The defections of two PDP governors haven’t rattled the party as much as the fear of Atiku’s possible exit. That tells you the weight of goodwill he still commands,” said Olusunle, who is also a lecturer at the University of Abuja.

He emphasized Atiku’s foundational role in the PDP and blamed internal sabotage for the party’s decline.

“Since the 2022 presidential primaries, some elements have been eating away at the party from within,” he said. “There’s growing public demand for a new platform that can deliver real democratic governance.”

Olusunle added that a new coalition backed by Atiku and possibly Peter Obi could dominate the North and Southeast.

“Atiku is a pragmatic democrat. He won’t compel any loyalist to leave PDP. If some choose to stay, he will respect their decision. But the coalition is expanding across the country,” he said.
“A strong bloc from Katsina State already pledged allegiance to the coalition. Once Peter Obi joins, the South East will follow.”