Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, has claimed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is largely under the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his loyalists.

Speaking on Politics HQ on News Central TV, Odeyemi alleged that Abubakar moved many of his political associates into the ADC, describing it as “Atiku Disciples Congress.”

“If any presidential hopeful joins ADC today, that will be the end of his dealings with the party,” Odeyemi said.

The PDP chieftain argued that Abubakar might have won the 2023 presidential election had he chosen Peter Obi as his running mate. He also faulted Abubakar’s refusal to concede to the demands of the G5 governors, particularly the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as PDP National Chairman.

“If he had agreed to their demands, Ayu would have been removed, and things might have turned out differently,” Odeyemi said."

He added that he doubted whether Abubakar’s strategists properly assessed the political climate before key decisions were made.

Odeyemi also suggested that if former President Goodluck Jonathan joins the ADC, Abubakar would likely leave the party. 

His remarks come days after former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido described Jonathan as the PDP’s best option for the 2027 presidential election and urged the party to “woo” him back.