As part of efforts to build a formidable coalition, ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has commenced moves to woo high-profile politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Although the ADC has already taken over PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa and some other northern states, many of the prominent politicians, being approached, are yet to formally defect.
This came as Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, yesterday, dismissed media reports that he would lead five other governors from the APC to ADC.
Also, the 2023 presid-ential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, said he remains committed to protecting the interests of his supporters and political associates.
This is even as Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, tackled the Interim National Secretary of ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, to give account of his stewardship as Interior Minister in the last dispensation.
ADC takes over PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa
Confirming the takeover of PDP structures in Yobe, Gombe and Adamawa states, Mr Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said the PDP executives in the northern states had aligned with the coalition.
Ibe said: “The movement is gaining traction. Atiku Abubakar will continue to provide direction to ensure the coalition evolves into a formidable, robust, and viable platform.
“Having achieved that, you can already see the results. The Yobe PDP executive has aligned with the ADC, as has Gombe’s. The Adamawa executives have also pledged their loyalty. The movement is gaining momentum.”
He also praised Atiku’s role in uniting various political groups, describing it as a reflection of strong leadership.
“Just last week, the political landscape was trending towards a one-party dictatorship, reminiscent of the Abacha era. This coalition is a response to that threat,” Ibe added.
He likened the challenges of coalition-building to those faced by newlyweds adjusting to life together:
“That’s the nature of politics. Even a young marriage comes with its challenges. You’ve lived independently or been distant, and now you have to share space with someone from a completely different background.
‘’Perhaps the person you’re with isn’t even from your region, maybe they’re Igbo and you’re Igala. All these factors come into play, and you begin to learn to live together, tolerate one another, and make compromises. It’s akin to the struggles young couples face at the start of a marriage. But over time, things improve.
“He (Atiku) will continue to provide direction and ensure the coalition gains traction at all levels: ward, local government, and state. By the end of this year, anyone standing in the way of this coalition will have himself to blame,” Ibe said.
