A former Nigerian political official has stirred debates about potential realignments within the country’s opposition landscape after suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) if ex-President Goodluck Jonathan joins the party. Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared these remarks during a Tuesday appearance on News Central’s Politic HQ, framing the ADC as a platform dominated by Atiku’s allies.
Odeyemi characterized the ADC as “Atiku’s Disciples Congress,” asserting that the former presidential candidate had strategically positioned his supporters within the party. He cautioned that the ADC’s alignment with Atiku could deter other presidential aspirants, describing it as a “political trap” for those seeking nomination. “If any hopeful joins the ADC today, that would be the end of their dealings with the party,” he said, suggesting Atiku’s influence would overshadow rival ambitions.
The comments came amid broader reflections on Nigeria’s 2023 elections and Atiku’s prior political decisions. Odeyemi argued that Atiku’s failure to name Peter Obi, now a prominent third-party figure, as his running mate in the last election cost him potential victory. He also criticized Atiku’s handling of internal PDP conflicts, particularly his refusal to address demands from the G-5—a group of governors who sought the resignation of then-PDP Chairman Iyorchia Ayu. “If Atiku had removed Ayu as requested, it might have unified the party,” Odeyemi said, questioning the judgment of his strategists.
The most striking claim, however, centered on Jonathan. Odeyemi speculated that the former president’s rumored interest in the ADC could prompt Atiku’s exit, though he did not clarify why such a move would occur. Jonathan, who lost the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari and has since remained politically inactive, has not publicly confirmed plans to join the ADC. Still, Odeyemi’s remarks underscore growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of future elections, with alliances and defections likely to shape the contest.
Analysts note that the ADC, a smaller party compared to the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress, has sought to position itself as a coalition hub for disillusioned politicians. Yet Odeyemi’s warnings highlight risks for aspirants navigating Nigeria’s volatile political terrain, where personal loyalties often outweigh party ideologies. As speculation grows about potential realignments, the coming months may test whether the ADC can expand its influence—or remain a platform tethered to Atiku’s ambitions.
