Former APC Governorship Candidate Joins ADC Ahead of 2027 Race

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar, has reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar, a retired Air Marshal and former Chief of Air Staff, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Bauchi State election, where he challenged the incumbent governor but lost the race.

Sources close to the politician said he was seen at an inaugural meeting of the ADC in Abuja alongside other party stakeholders, signalling his alignment with the opposition party. Although a formal public declaration had yet to be made at the time, insiders confirmed that his presence at the gathering indicated his intention to join the ADC coalition.

Abubakar had reportedly been distant from activities of the ruling APC since the aftermath of the 2023 election and subsequent legal battles over the poll outcome. Observers say the move may position him to contest the Bauchi governorship again under the ADC platform in the 2027 elections.

Political analysts believe the defection reflects growing realignments within Nigeria’s political space as opposition parties attempt to build stronger coalitions ahead of the next general elections.