YOLA, Adamawa State – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar marked a seismic shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics on Monday by officially registering as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his sixth party affiliation in a storied career spanning over two decades.

The 78-year-old political heavyweight, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July amid deep internal fractures, collected his membership card at a polling unit in his hometown of Jada, Ward 1, Local Government Area. The event unfolded to the rhythmic beat of drums, jubilant chants, and waving placards from hundreds of supporters who lined the streets, transforming the routine procedure into a mini-rally.

Atiku, clad in a crisp white traditional attire, flashed a broad smile as he held up his ADC card for cameras, later posting a photo on X with the succinct caption: “It’s official. -AA.”

Videos circulating online captured his convoy’s arrival amid cheers, with party faithful hailing him as the “incoming president” for 2027.

The move, confirmed by Atiku’s aide Abdul Rasheeth and ADC officials, formalizes his endorsement of the party as the platform for a nascent opposition coalition.

Formed in July by disaffected PDP and Labour Party elements—including whispers of alliances with Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal—the ADC positions itself as a unified front against President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku’s entry, delayed for months despite his pivotal role in its adoption, is expected to galvanize the party’s infrastructure and draw in high-profile defectors.

Addressing supporters at the Jada Local Government Secretariat post-registration, Atiku quipped: “Before now, I was not in; you were here before me,” acknowledging the ADC’s grassroots roots while underscoring his commitment.

Adamawa ADC Chairman Shehu Yohanna described the development as a “major boost,” praising Atiku’s “national influence and experience” for elevating the party’s visibility.

This is Atiku’s latest pivot: PDP (1999–2006), Action Congress (2006–2009), PDP redux (2009–2014), APC (2014–2017), PDP again (2017–2025), and now ADC. His 2023 PDP presidential bid ended in a narrow defeat to Tinubu, but the fallout—exacerbated by expulsions of allies like Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose—paved the way for this realignment.

Political analysts see it as a calculated gambit to consolidate fragmented anti-APC forces. “Atiku’s resources and appeal could catapult ADC from fringe status to contender,” said Dr. Fatima Yusuf, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University. Yet, PDP spokespeople decried it as “opportunism,” warning of further erosion in the main opposition’s ranks.

Social media erupted with a mix of euphoria and memes lampooning Atiku’s “party-hopping” saga—one viral post quipped, “Atiku’s loyalty: As changeable as the weather.”

As eyes turn to potential flagbearer primaries—ADC vows a “democratic process”—the question lingers: Will Obi follow suit? For now, Atiku’s bold step signals the opposition’s scramble to regroup, with 2027’s stakes higher than ever.