Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has officially welcomed the defection of former Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, alongside key political stakeholders from the erstwhile ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming that the party’s structure remains solid and growing stronger.
Speaking during a reception ceremony held in Damaturu on Sunday, Waziri declared his departure from the PDP to join the ADC, citing the emergence of a broad-based opposition coalition as a credible alternative for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
“The coalition brings a renewed agenda for national transformation,” Waziri stated. “We are focused on curbing insecurity, ensuring food security, revitalizing education and healthcare, and promoting inclusive social development.”
Waziri’s defection is viewed as a significant boost for the ADC in the North-East, particularly in Yobe, where the party says it has established firm grassroots structures. The state chairman of the ADC, Umar Alkali Khalil, hailed the development as a strategic realignment aimed at rescuing Nigeria from its current governance crisis.
“Our structure from ward to state level is solid and functional. With prominent figures like Adamu Waziri, Aji Kolomi, and Engr. Abubakar Waziri now in our ranks, the ADC in Yobe is more prepared than ever to deliver a credible alternative to the ruling party,” Khalil said.
In an interview with The Journal Nigeria, Engr. Abubakar Waziri criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to address the nation’s worsening insecurity, economic instability, and governance breakdowns. He explained that their decision to align with the ADC was driven by the need to rebuild economic viability and restore public trust.
“The ruling party has failed to meet the aspirations of the people. We see the ADC coalition as the best path to rescue Nigeria’s economy and fix the deepening insecurity. We are not just changing platforms—we are embracing a movement with vision,” Abubakar Waziri emphasized.
He stressed that the coalition is united by shared values, not just political convenience. “We are united in purpose and committed to the sacrifices required to restore hope. Nigerians are yearning for change, and we are responding to that call,” he added.
Sources close to the coalition confirmed that high-level consultations are ongoing across several states, with more defections expected in the coming weeks. Former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assembly members are reportedly joining forces with the ADC as it positions itself as the flagship party for the growing opposition alliance.
Political analysts say the coalition’s adoption of the ADC as its political platform could reshape Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape, providing voters with an alternative to both the APC and the PDP.
As the movement gains momentum, all eyes are on how the ADC-led alliance will convert high-profile defections into electoral strength ahead of the next general elections.