Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally become a member of the African Democratic Congress, the coalition-backed party he is expected to align with ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the development on Monday via his X account, where he posted a photo of himself holding his membership card alongside the caption, “It’s official.”

His defection comes after his resignation in July from the Peoples Democratic Party, which has been grappling with internal disputes for months.

This step solidifies his alignment with the coalition platform he endorsed in July as a unified front for opposition figures — including Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal — to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race.

Before now, Atiku and other opposition leaders had delayed their official registration with the ADC despite earlier commitments to the coalition.

The opposition bloc had unveiled the ADC as its political vehicle for 2027, with former Senate President David Mark appointed as National Chairman, ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola named National Secretary, and former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi serving as National Publicity Secretary.