Political Shake-Up Looms As ADC Chieftains Explore PRP Option Before INEC Deadline

This shift follows a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, marked by multiple court cases that have cast doubt on the party’s stability and legitimacy as the 2027 elections approach.

A major factor driving the latest moves is the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of party membership registers.

INEC has fixed May 10 as the cutoff date, a crucial timeline that will determine eligibility for participation in party primaries.

Under the Electoral Act, only individuals listed in a party’s membership register before submission can contest in primaries, making early political alignment essential.

Confirming the development, PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said prominent opposition figures have initiated talks with his party, adding that the PRP is open to working with new entrants seeking a credible platform.

At the heart of the ADC crisis is a leadership tussle involving David Mark and rival factions disputing his emergence.

The dispute has led to multiple court cases, including matters before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, paralysed party structures across several states, competing claims to leadership, and uncertainty surrounding conventions and primaries.

INEC has already withdrawn recognition of the Mark-led leadership based on court rulings, further deepening the crisis.

The ADC had recently attracted several prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola. However, sources say many of them are now exploring other political options due to the ongoing uncertainty.

The situation is expected to reach a decisive stage as the Supreme Court prepares to hear key appeals related to the crisis, with April 22 set for accelerated proceedings.

A similar dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also before the apex court, raising concerns about wider instability within Nigeria’s opposition.

Amid the uncertainty, the PRP has openly invited opposition leaders to join its platform. Its Lagos State Chairman, James Adeshina, warned that continued divisions within opposition parties could weaken democratic competition.

“At a time when the nation urgently needs a united front, internal crises like this only weaken the opposition,” he said.