Full List of Prominent Politicians Who Left APC to Join ADC

Full List of Prominent Politicians Who Left APC to Join ADC

  • Nigeria’s political scene is witnessing a wave of defections as key figures abandon the APC for the ADC
  • From senators to former ministers, these moves signal a growing realignment ahead of the 2027 elections
  • The following report highlights the most prominent politicians who have made the switch and the dates that marked their decisions

The political landscape in Nigeria has seen notable shifts, with several prominent figures leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Find the list below:

Senators and former ministers strengthen ADC with high‑profile defections.
ADC gains momentum as prominent politicians defect from APC. Photo credit: NasirGawuna/ADCNig/OfficialABAT/X
Source: Twitter

Ahmed Babba-Kaita: Senator from Katsina State

Ahmed Babba-Kaita, a serving senator from Katsina State, made headlines when he switched allegiance from the APC to the ADC. His move was seen as a significant boost to the ADC’s presence in northern Nigeria.

Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani): Former Adamawa Governorship Candidate

Senator Aishatu Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, once contested for the governorship of Adamawa State under the APC. She later pitched her tent with the ADC, strengthening the party’s influence in the north-east.

Read also

Tinubu meets 2 former northern governors amid defection surge

Ahmed Mahmud Gumel: Jigawa Politician Joins ADC

Ahmed Mahmud Gumel, a politician from Jigawa State, also left the APC for the ADC. His defection added weight to the ADC’s growing political base in the north-west.

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna: Kano APC Candidate Defects on March 31, 2026

Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the APC’s governorship candidate in Kano State during the 2023 elections, resigned from both the party and his role as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). On March 31, 2026, he officially joined the ADC, marking one of the most high-profile defections.

Abubakar Malami (SAN): Former Minister of Justice

Abubakar Malami, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, announced his resignation from the APC in July 2025. He joined the ADC coalition with the aim of challenging the ruling party in the 2027 elections.

Salihu Tanko Yakasai: Former Media Chief in Kano

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who served as Director-General of Media and Communications to former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned from the APC in March 2026. His move to the ADC was widely discussed in political circles.

Read also

2027 elections: List of Tinubu’s ministers, other appointees who have resigned

Patty Etete: Former House of Representatives Member

Patty Etete, a former member of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom, left the APC in March 2026. Her resignation came shortly after stepping down as a senior legislative aide, and she quickly aligned with the ADC.

These defections highlight a growing trend of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has positioned itself as a rising force, attracting seasoned politicians from across Nigeria.

ADC attracts influential figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nigeria’s political landscape shifts as APC leaders join ADC. Photo credit: ADCNig/x
Source: Twitter

List of LGAs where APC lost in Rivers election

Legit.ng earlier reported that in a dramatic turn during the Rivers State local government elections held on August 30, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to retain control of just three local government areas amid a sweeping victory by the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state.

The PDP’s hold on Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni marked the only resistance to the APC’s unprecedented dominance in the polls.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.