As the race toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections intensifies, political momentum is building around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the recent inauguration of its interim National Chairman, David Mark — former Senate President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart. Mark now leads a broad coalition poised to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In Borno State, a significant wave of defections into ADC has shaken the political landscape. A trending video circulating on social media shows Mattawali Kashim Ibrahim Imam, a former PDP governorship candidate and APC chieftain, hosting a high-profile dinner at his residence in Maiduguri. Sources reveal the gathering included several political heavyweights, reportedly discussing plans to formally join the ADC.
Notably, former PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 standard-bearer, Mr. Peter Obi, have also joined the new coalition after parting ways with their former parties.
Despite rumors that Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was planning to defect with five other governors, he has publicly denied any such move to join the ADC.
However, political shifts in Borno have been pronounced. Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, a former governorship aspirant, and Hon. Sheriff Banki, a youth mobilizer and grassroots advocate, have both left the PDP along with thousands of supporters, family members, and allies to join the ADC.
Durkwa, a retired federal civil servant turned politician, has reportedly been at the forefront of the defection movement, catalyzing resignations from across party lines, including the APC.
Among the prominent figures who have defected are:
Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia, former House Minority Leader and 2023 PDP Senatorial candidate for Borno Central
Alhaji Saleh Kida, PDP’s 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate
Alhaji Ali Wurge, former PDP National Treasurer
Hon. Babakura Abba Yusuf, 2023 House of Reps candidate (MMC)
Hon. Abdulrazaq Ahmed Zanna, 2023 PDP candidate for Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge Federal Constituency
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Others include Hon. Maina Justice (Jere LGA stakeholder), Hon. Fali Wubulari (former House of Assembly member for Askira Uba), and dozens of House of Assembly candidates across Borno’s 27 LGAs.
Also defecting are Hon. Isa Lawan Kangar (2023 Borno North Senatorial candidate), nearly all ward and local government party executives, and approximately 95% of key opposition stakeholders and former party officials at various levels.
Speaking with our correspondent in Maiduguri, Hon. Sheriff Banki described the defection wave as a direct consequence of the APC’s failures under President Tinubu, particularly in addressing economic hardship and insecurity.
He criticized the PDP’s internal crisis, blaming its leadership for eroding the party’s influence due to selfish interests. He specifically accused the Borno PDP chairman, Hon. Zanna Gadama, of compromising the party’s integrity and alienating its grassroots base.
“This mass defection is just the beginning of a new political era,” Banki stated. “Nigerians are tired of unfulfilled promises under Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’. People are struggling economically and living in fear due to worsening insecurity.”
He urged the people of Borno and beyond to rally behind the ADC, which he described as a party committed to inclusive governance and the true spirit of democracy.
