Mass Defections Hit PDP, APC in Borno as Top Politicians Join ADC Coalition

A wave of political realignments has swept through Borno State as prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and other opposition groups defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a major shakeup ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This development comes on the heels of the formal inauguration of former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman of the ADC-led coalition party, a political movement aiming to challenge the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Notably, recent defections at the national level have seen key opposition leaders—former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi—align with the coalition.

In Borno, the defection was led by influential political figures including Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, a former governorship aspirant; Hon. Sheriff Banki, a prominent youth mobiliser; and Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia, a former House minority leader and 2023 PDP senatorial candidate. They were joined by a host of others, such as Alhaji Saleh Kida, the PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, and Alhaji Ali Wurge, a former PDP national treasurer.

Also among the defectors are Hon. Babakura Abba Yusuf, 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Maiduguri Metropolitan Council; Hon. Abdulrazaq Ahmed Zanna, 2023 PDP candidate for Bama, Ngala, Kala Balge federal constituency; Hon. Isa Lawan Kangar, 2023 Borno North senatorial candidate; and dozens of candidates for the House of Assembly across the state’s 27 LGAs. Numerous ward and local government executives and over 95% of PDP stakeholders in Borno have also reportedly joined the ADC.

Sources confirmed that the realignment followed high-level consultations, including a recent dinner hosted by former PDP governorship candidate and APC stalwart Mattawali Kashim Ibrahim Imam at his Maiduguri residence. The gathering reportedly brought together several key political players to strategize on joining the coalition.

Despite online speculation, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has dismissed claims that he and five other governors plan to defect to the ADC.

Speaking with reporters in Maiduguri, Hon. Sheriff Banki described the defections as a response to growing dissatisfaction with both the APC and PDP. He criticized the APC-led federal government under President Tinubu for failing to deliver on its “Renewed Hope” agenda, citing rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions. Banki also accused the PDP of losing its credibility due to internal compromise and weak leadership under Hon. Zanna Gadama in Borno.

“The mass resignation by prominent members of both opposition and ruling parties marks the beginning of something new and positive for Borno and Nigeria,” Banki stated. “The people are frustrated by economic hardship, insecurity, and failed promises. It’s time to embrace a political party committed to inclusive governance.”

He urged citizens to rally behind the ADC, which he described as the only party currently offering a credible alternative and genuine hope for the Nigerian people.