2027 Election: Top Ex-Nigerian Governor Officially Dumps PDP, Announces New Party
- Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday, January 30, 2026, signalling a notable political alignment
- Duke served as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 and contested for the Nigerian presidency in 2019
- Duke's defection comes as opposition leaders increasingly join the ADC to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Calabar, Cross River State - Ahead of the 2027 elections, Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, on Friday, January 30, 2026, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As reported by Vanguard, Duke was formally registered as a member of the ADC in Ward 5, Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, where he also received his membership card amid cheers from supporters.
Source: Twitter
Again, Duke dumps PDP, joins ADC
Blueprint Newspapers also noted the development.
This marks the second time the former governor has left the PDP. He previously defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, a move that was trailed by controversy.
Legit.ng reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi have chosen the ADC as their new political home after breaking away from their respective parties - the PDP and the Labour Party (LP).
This is one of the biggest shake-ups in Nigerian politics since the end of military rule in 1999.
Some political heavyweights from President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) party have also thrown their weight behind the formation.
Why have opposition figures joined forces?
The development is the culmination of a series of talks between the leaders to put up a united front in the 2027 elections, rather than splitting their vote.
Tinubu won the 2023 election with just 37% of the vote after opposition supporters were divided between Atiku, who got 29%, and Obi with 25%.
Source: Twitter
Obi had broken away from the PDP after the party chose Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
Other top members of the ADC coalition include ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal.
Read more on ADC coalition:
- 2027 election: ADC responds to rumours INEC refused to recognise David Mark's new leadership
- 2027 election: Did Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua dump APC for ADC? Lawmaker speaks out
- 2027 election: ADC speaks as Rabiu Kwankwaso reportedly considers joining party
Jonathan reportedly discussing with ADC
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a chieftain of the ADC said the party had been holding discreet talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan over a possible presidential run in the 2027 election.
A principal member of the ADC disclosed that the party had been holding talks with Jonathan to join its platform.
Asked if the former president would be given an automatic presidential ticket, the ADC chieftain said the party has not decided on that.
Source: Legit.ng
