Indications emerged on Tuesday that several chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are on the verge of defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what party insiders describe as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 electoral contests.
This is coming just as a faction of the party’s leadership, led by a former minister, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, met with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday behind closed doors.
Details of the meeting, held at the former president’s Maitama, Abuja home, could not be immediately ascertained as at press time.
It could also not be established whether or not the meeting with Jonathan had anything to do with the alleged defection plans.
Multiple sources within the PDP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said consultations and negotiations with the ADC leadership had reached an advanced stage, with formal announcements expected in the coming days.
The anticipated defections are said to involve prominent party stakeholders from across a number of states, who have lost faith in the PDP.
The defections are coming in the backdrop of the seemingly intractable leadership crisis that has split the party into two factions.
The Turaki-led faction is loyal to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, while the other faction, chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed, is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
To compound the party’s woes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied the two factions official recognition, a situation that could render the PDP ineligible for the 2027 contests.
The development follows months of internal wrangling within the PDP over leadership tussles and unresolved congress disputes, which have continued to fuel discontent among party faithful.
In the heat of the crisis, the Turaki faction, backed by two PDP governors, announced the expulsion of Wike and about a dozen of his allies at the disputed November 15-16 national convention.
The Ibadan convention, which was convened against retraining court orders, was not monitored by INEC, a situation that has rendered the exercise null and void.
Some of the aggrieved PDP chieftains are reportedly unhappy with the party’s failure to present a cohesive opposition platform.
A senior PDP figure familiar with the talks, said many of those considering the move believe the ADC offers “a more stable and ideologically coherent platform” to pursue their political ambitions.
“There is growing frustration. Many leaders feel the PDP has not shown the capacity to resolve its internal crises, and they are exploring alternatives,” the source said.
On its part, the ADC has intensified efforts to position itself as a credible alternative, holding a series of closed-door meetings with political heavyweights and disaffected members of other parties.
Party officials say the ADC is focused on strengthening its national structure and expanding its footprint ahead of upcoming elections.
An ADC national officer, who declined to be named, confirmed ongoing discussions with politicians from the PDP and other parties, but said the party would only admit defectors who align with its principles.
“We are open to partnerships, but we are also committed to discipline and internal democracy,” the official said.
Reacting to the reports, the PDP leadership played down the possibility of mass defections, insisting the party remains viable despite its challenges.
A party source who still believes the PDP can overcome its leadership challenges, said the party was taking steps to address grievances and urged members to remain loyal.
Political analysts say a large-scale defection could alter the balance of forces within the opposition space and further weaken the PDP if not urgently managed.
They note that while the ADC has remained relatively small, an influx of experienced politicians could significantly boost its profile and competitiveness.
As of press time, preparations were said to be ongoing for a public event at which the defectors are expected to formally announce their move to the ADC.
The PDP national secretariat has been under lock and key since October 2025, following a clash between the two leadership factions seeking to take control of the secretariat.