Ahead of the 2027 election, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition platform is making moves to snap up sitting governors.

As reported by Vanguard newspaper on Sunday, August 3, "credible sources" suggest several serving governors and senior lawmakers are considering joining the ADC.

The ADC is reportedly targeting five governors, including two from the southeast.

If these defections happen, the party’s national profile will rise sharply.

Legit.ng recalls that in a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, the Atiku Abubakar-led opposition coalition has formally adopted the ADC as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

To lead this new phase, the coalition appointed seasoned political figures as interim leaders: former Senate President David Mark as national chairman, ex-Osun state governor and former Tinubu ally Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, and one-time minister of youth and sports Bolaji Abdullahi as its official spokesperson.

Notable Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, including ex-national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus; former speaker of the house of representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; and erstwhile governors of Jigawa, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Niger, and Ebonyi states—Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Gabriel Suswam, Emeka Ihedioha, Babangida Aliyu, and Sam Egwu, respectively —have also aligned with the coalition.

Adeleke denies joining ADC

Meanwhile, Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, said he is not leaving the PDP for the ADC.

In a statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson, Adeleke said claims that he is aligning with ADC figures ahead of the 2026 governorship in the state election are false.

The governor said he would contest for a second term on the platform of the PDP and is confident of winning by a wide margin.