ADC, PDP, LP In Turmoil As Tinubu’s APC ‘Corners’ 29 Governors Ahead Of 2027 Elections

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, Enejo Micheal, has accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately engineering the crisis rocking opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Micheal, who spoke with journalists on Saturday, alleged that the Tinubu-led administration had adopted a strategy aimed at weakening opposition parties to force defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“President Tinubu is responsible for the crisis in all the opposition parties,” Micheal claimed in a chat with Daily Post. “His administration deliberately weakened the opposition so that members will defect to the ruling party.”

‘They Created Factions To Destabilise ADC’

The ADC chieftain further alleged that the internal disagreements currently troubling the ADC were not accidental but part of a broader plot to destabilise the opposition coalition.

“They have created a faction within ADC too. You will see what will happen if a person like Peter Obi, whom they fear so much, wins the ADC ticket later this year,” he said.

According to him, the ruling party would sponsor rival claimants within the ADC and eventually explore legal means to disqualify the party’s candidate.

“Tinubu and his people will sponsor those claiming to be the real owners of ADC, and afterwards, they will look for how the court will disqualify our candidate,” Micheal added.

Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence that the opposition would overcome the challenges, insisting that the crisis within the ADC was manageable.

“There is no crisis in ADC that can’t be handled. People like David Mark are very experienced politicians; they know the game,” he said.

Naijaonpoint reports that Michael’s comments come amid growing concerns over the ability of opposition parties to mount a united front against President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

While the APC has continued to consolidate power across strategic and populous states, opposition parties have remained divided, weakened by internal wrangling and a wave of defections.

The ADC, which serves as the platform for a coalition of opposition leaders, was formed to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid. However, the party is currently grappling with disagreements among supporters of its leading presidential aspirants over who should fly its flag.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have been plagued by prolonged internal crises, further eroding their influence and paving the way for the defection of key party figures to the ruling APC.

Wave Of Defections Shrinks Opposition

Since late 2025, the opposition’s ranks have continued to thin as several governors, lawmakers, and local government chairmen defected to the APC.

At the inauguration of President Tinubu’s administration in May 2023, the APC controlled about 21 states, while opposition parties governed 15 states.

However, recent developments have altered the political landscape significantly, with the APC now controlling 29 states, leaving the opposition with just seven.

Of the remaining opposition-controlled states, the PDP governs five, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Labour Party and Accord Party control one state each.

Naijaonpoint reports that one of the most significant political shifts occurred in Kano State, widely regarded as Nigeria’s political nerve centre due to its large voting population.

With nearly six million registered voters, Kano has historically played a decisive role in presidential elections.

The political balance in the state tilted on Friday when Governor Abba Yusuf defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the APC, dealing a major blow to the opposition.

In the 2023 presidential election, the NNPP, with Rabiu Kwankwaso as its candidate, secured 997,279 votes in Kano to defeat Tinubu, who polled 517,341 votes.

While some analysts believe Yusuf’s defection could boost Tinubu’s chances in the state in 2027, others argue that Kwankwaso’s loyal supporters may still resist the APC’s influence.

There are also indications that Kwankwaso may align with the ADC-led opposition coalition ahead of the next election.

ADC Ticket Battle Deepens Cracks

Naijaonpoint reports that within the ADC, tensions have continued to rise as leading figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, jostle for the party’s presidential ticket.

Supporters of the aspirants have intensified campaigns, with Obi’s supporters particularly insisting that the ticket should be zoned to the South.

A faction reportedly led by Nafiu Gombe has also emerged, raising concerns over the party’s unity.

Addressing the growing rivalry among supporters, Michael urged restraint, particularly on social media.

“I notice that Obidients and supporters of Atiku have been clashing on social media; there is no need for that,” he said.

He also dismissed fears of money politics within the ADC, stressing that the party was pushing for direct primaries.

“Nobody is going to use dollars to buy delegates in ADC. We are appealing to leaders to adopt direct primary, and I bet you, Obi will win the ticket,” he added.

Despite the turmoil, Michael remained optimistic about the opposition’s chances in 2027. He said, “But no matter the strategy, I don’t see Tinubu winning the election next year.”