2027 Elections: Jubilation as Atiku’s Ex-Youth DG Returns to PDP Days After ADC Defection
- In a significant twist of events, Odih Rowland, a top chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), returned to the party
- Rowland reportedly made a U-turn days after he dumped the PDP and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Rowland, a former DG of the Atiku youth wing campaign organisation, vowed to work for the PDP's victory in the 2027 elections
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Odih Rowland, a former director-general of the Atiku Abubakar youth wing, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) days after defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Source: Facebook
2027: Rowland vows to work for PDP
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Rowland resigned from the PDP on August 1.
In a letter dated August 27 and addressed to Umar Damagum, the substantive national chairman of the PDP, Rowland apologised for quitting from the party, describing his decision as a mistake.
As reported by The Cable, he pledged to work for the PDP's victory in the 2027 general elections.
Rowland thanked the PDP for considering his apology, adding that he will contribute to the party’s growth.
“I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for my recent decision to decamp from PDP to ADC on August 1, 2025,” the letter reads.
“I realise now that I made a grave mistake by leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that has nurtured my political career for 24 years. I want to apologise to the entire PDP leadership, members, and supporters for my actions.
“Following the urging of my ward, local government, state, and national leaders, I have decided to return to PDP with my supporters. I pledge to work tirelessly for the party’s victory in 2027.”
Source: Facebook
ADC gaining momentum after Atiku's move
Legit.ng reported that in June 2025, Atiku Abubakar recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined forces with other major opposition leaders, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, to form a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The alliance is expected to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Read more about politicians and defections here:
- 2027: “I’m landlord in ADC,” Top lawmaker declares, mentions month Atiku’s coalition will collapse
- Just in: Ex-Abia deputy governor resigns from PDP, cites reason
- 2027: Former minister, ex-governor’s wife dump PDP for Atiku-led coalition ‘ADC’
- Breaking: Ex-DG of PDP governors forum dumps party for ADC, reason emerges
- ADC coalition: "The real issue," PDP chieftain shares actual reason Atiku resigned from party
Atiku: Saraki reacts as 4 senators dump PDP
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that former Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, slammed Atiku Abubakar and other top politicians who dumped the PDP and moved to the ruling APC and the ADC.
Saraki, at an event on Wednesday, explained why Atiku and others, including federal lawmakers, are leaving the PDP ahead of the 2027 election.
Legit.ng reported that Saraki spoke after four popular senators resigned from the PDP on Wednesday, July 23 and joined the ruling APC.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
