ADA: Atiku Yet To Dump PDP, Denies Endorsing New Party As 2027 Politics Heats Up

Speculation over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political future intensified on Monday as sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suggested it is only a matter of time before he and his loyalists formally exit the party. However, Atiku, through his media aide, has dismissed reports that he has already thrown his weight behind a new political party.

Demola Olarenwaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to Atiku, debunked viral media claims that the former Vice President and his group had adopted the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as their new platform. According to him, no such decision has been made.

“A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition,” Olarenwaju said in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. “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.”

The group in question, the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), on Friday submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking registration of ADA as a political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite Atiku’s denial of any formal endorsement of ADA, the move has further fueled speculations of an imminent split within the PDP. According to party insiders, Atiku and other top figures such as former Senate President David Mark may soon severe ties with the PDP, exacerbating the already deepening internal crisis within the former ruling party.

Party sources said the push by Atiku and his associates to engage in a broader coalition has been met with stiff resistance from PDP governors and other key stakeholders who are wary of aligning with any group outside the party structure.

Atiku, a founding member of the PDP, served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under the party’s banner and contested the 2023 presidential election as its flag bearer. His next political move remains a subject of intense speculation as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift in preparation for the 2027 polls.