Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is expected to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, who met with ADC supporters and stakeholders in Adamawa over the weekend, confirmed his intention to officially sign up with the coalition party. His aide, Abdul Rasheeth, described the planned registration as a crucial step in the broader realignment of opposition forces.

Although Atiku led the adoption of the ADC in July as the coalition platform for opposition heavyweights, including Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, many of these figures have yet to formally register with the party.

Last week, Adamawa ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna urged Atiku, Lawal, and other key actors to legalize their membership. He disclosed that Atiku would be in Yola this week for his birthday and activities in his hometown of Jada, adding, “I believe he will use the visit to register officially and collect his membership card. I also expect the former SGF and other intending members to do the same.”

This development came barely 48 hours after the ADC clarified the absence of Atiku and Obi at the unveiling of its new national secretariat in Abuja. The party dismissed speculation that Obi stayed away because the building once served as Atiku’s campaign office.

The unveiling was attended by ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, but neither Atiku nor Obi gave any explanation for their absence.

Mark described the new office as a symbol of the coalition’s resolve to reshape the country’s political future, saying it reflects a collective desire for good governance, accountability, and a stronger democracy.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi also debunked rumours of disunity. He noted that Atiku had no ownership ties to the secretariat building, explaining, “Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He only leased it, and his rent expired. The ADC simply rented the property.”

Amid Atiku’s imminent move, Peter Obi has remained silent, with associates insisting he is taking time to make a well-considered decision. Obi’s former campaign spokesperson and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, dismissed claims that Obi might be withdrawing from the ADC coalition.

“No, Obi is not abandoning the coalition,” Tanko said. “He will speak soon. He just wants to get his decision right, especially now that many people are looking up to him.”

Tanko added that Obi is being cautious about where he seeks his 2027 presidential ticket, saying, “He doesn’t want to be in a place where he feels trapped. Since the presidency should go to the South, our hope is that the ADC will consider giving him the ticket.”

He affirmed that Obi’s political timeline has not changed.