Despite internal turmoil, ADC gains fresh defections across Northern states

Amid its lingering leadership crisis and public exchange of accusations among rival factions, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has continued to attract high-profile defectors from other political parties, signalling resilience despite internal turbulence.

With barely a month to the deadline for submission of membership registers and conduct of primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, the party has been engulfed in a tripod legitimacy battle involving factions loyal to its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and a camp linked to former Senate President David Mark.

The crisis has triggered sharp reactions from political actors across party lines and drawn in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Yet, even as the dispute rages, prominent politicians in Zamfara and Jigawa states have formally adopted the ADC as their new political platform.

In Zamfara State, former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa led thousands of his supporters into the ADC following a high-level caucus meeting of the Marafa Support Groups held in Kaduna. In a statement issued by the group’s Secretary, Malam Aminu Jelani, members were directed to immediately commence registration with the party and intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards and local government areas.

Marafa, who resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2025, cited dissatisfaction with the direction of the ruling party and accused the federal government of neglecting Zamfara despite its contribution to the 2023 presidential victory. He described his defection as a “historic milestone” and urged supporters to massively register with the ADC, which he called “a credible platform for political transformation, accountability and good governance.”

The Zamfara realignment is expected to significantly reshape political calculations in the state, particularly as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.

A similar political shift unfolded in Jigawa State, where a wave of defections from the APC, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) strengthened the ADC’s ranks.

The streets of Dutse witnessed a massive turnout as supporters gathered to formally receive Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu, who represented Jigawa South-West in the 9th National Assembly. Nakudu officially resigned from the APC and was presented with his ADC membership card amid cheers from supporters.

“I am grateful to my supporters for turning out en masse to receive me into my new party,” Nakudu said, pledging to work towards the development of Jigawa and Nigeria at large. Political observers believe he may contest the governorship in 2027 on the ADC platform.

Also aligning with the ADC is Aminu Ringim, a three-time governorship candidate who previously contested under the PDP and NNPP. Ringim confirmed plans to formally declare for the ADC at a mass gathering in his hometown. Former Senator Ubale Shitu was also spotted at the Dutse event alongside hundreds of loyalists.

Welcoming the defectors, Ahmad Mahmud Gumel, Jigawa State ADC coordinator and former deputy governor, described the development as a testament to the party’s growing popularity and credibility in the state. He said the experience and influence of the new entrants would further strengthen the opposition’s structure.

However, rival parties have downplayed the impact of the defections. The Jigawa PDP dismissed the move as inconsequential, while the APC described the defectors as politicians pursuing personal ambitions rather than public interest. The ruling party also hinted at possible counter-defections in the near future.

Despite these criticisms and its own internal wrangling, the ADC’s ability to attract established political figures suggests that it remains a viable platform in the unfolding political realignments ahead of 2027.

Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical as the party moves to resolve its leadership dispute while consolidating new alliances. For now, the steady inflow of defectors appears to have injected fresh momentum into the ADC, even as it grapples with questions about its internal cohesion.
A former governor of Kano State in the botched 3rd Republic, Kabiru Gaya, the other day, also resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the ADC.

In a resignation letter dated April 5 and addressed to the APC Ward Chairman in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, Gaya said his decision followed “careful reflection and wide consultation.”

The former governor who represented Kano South Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly, noted that leaving the APC was in the best interest of his constituents and aligned with his personal convictions.

As the countdown to the 2027 elections continues, the evolving dynamics within the ADC may prove pivotal in determining the shape and strength of Nigeria’s opposition landscape.