ADC, Atiku’s Aide Deny Defection Talks With NDC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Special Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Media, Paul Ibe, have dismissed reports suggesting ongoing defection talks with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting there are no discussions involving a possible political switch or coalition arrangement with the party.
The denial comes amid claims that there were high-level contacts between key figures in the ADC and leaders of the NDC, with suggestions that an announcement could be made as early as Wednesday.
Reacting to the reports, Paul Ibe, said there was no truth to the claims involving the former vice president and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
“If that is the case, I will be the first to know. I don’t think that there’s anything like that,” Ibe said when contacted by Vanguard.
Within the ADC, officials also rejected the reports, stressing that no such discussions were taking place and describing the claims as unfounded.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said, “100% rubbish.”
The reports had suggested that consultations were ongoing between prominent opposition figures and the NDC, raising speculation about a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
This comes shortly after the reported defection of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC, which has intensified political conversations around opposition restructuring.
However, sources familiar with the matter say any engagement being discussed is centred on broader coalition talks rather than formal party defections.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
