Mass Defections Rock PDP as John Abdul, Top Politicians Join ADC Coalition

Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, John Michael Abdul, has been appointed as the interim chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, marking a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abdul, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was formally introduced during a coalition-building meeting convened in Akwanga Local Government Area. The gathering was led by the ADC’s national leadership, currently chaired by former Senate President David Mark.

The high-level event also saw the appointment of several other political heavyweights, many of whom are former PDP members. Jibrin Sabo Keana was named interim secretary, while Senator Patricia Akwashiki was inducted into the party’s Board of Trustees.

Among those present were two former federal ministers—Musa Elayo, who previously served as Minister of State for Justice, and Mohammed Abdullahi, a former Minister of Environment—both of whom have also severed ties with their former parties. Additional attendees included three-time Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, retired General Nuhu Angbazo, who contested the PDP gubernatorial ticket in 2023, and former lawmaker Abdulkarim Ombamas.

Other notable figures at the meeting were ESV Dr. Umar Musa Galadima, 2023 PDP senatorial candidate Mr. Nathaniel Aboki, serving Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South, and Farida Umar, a former contender for a national PDP position.

In his inaugural remarks, Abdul called for unity and discipline among party members, urging those interested in joining the movement to exercise patience as broader consultations are expected to take place at various levels.

“I appeal to the general public, especially those willing to join us, to remain patient. We will soon convene expanded meetings across the state,” he said.

The appointments and political realignments come at a time of growing momentum behind the ADC’s coalition efforts, which are seen by analysts as a potential third-force challenge to Nigeria’s dominant parties in the build-up to the 2027 elections.