Political Uncertainty Surrounds Oyo and Bauchi Governors’ Alleged Move to ADC
There are growing indications that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed may no longer be joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Credible sources close to both leaders have suggested that their consultations regarding a potential move to the ADC have slowed down, following the recent de-recognition of the party’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision by INEC to remove the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC, led by Mark, from its official portal has raised concerns about the stability of the party. The electoral commission cited a Court of Appeal order as the reason for this action, stating that it would maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This move came after a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Gombe and Mark vying for control of the party’s national structure. According to the court’s judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, all parties were directed to maintain the existing situation before the dispute arose and refrain from actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
However, the Mark-led NWC rejected INEC’s decision and called for the dissolution of the electoral commission. They also vowed to proceed with preparations for the proposed National Convention scheduled for Abuja on April 14.
Potential Defections from PDP
Reports suggest that Makinde and Bala had initially considered joining the ADC following the prolonged crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bala, who is Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, indicated plans to defect to the ADC after a closed-door meeting with a delegation of the ADC, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge in Bauchi.
Bala stated that despite exhausting all avenues for reconciliation within the PDP at both national and state levels, no meaningful progress had been made. He described the ADC as a “preferred destination,” but noted that consultations and negotiations were ongoing to ensure a well-informed decision.
Similarly, Makinde had been meeting with chieftains of the ADC. A source close to Makinde told Sunday PUNCH that he might not join the ADC again, citing a lack of interest since INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership.
Reactions and Denials
Reacting to these claims, the Special Adviser to Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed any suggestion that the governor was planning to leave the PDP. He denied claims that Makinde was delaying his move to the ADC due to uncertainty surrounding the party’s national leadership.
Olanrewaju said, “The information is mere rumors, nothing like that.”
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP stated that Bala had yet to join the ADC. Responding to questions about why he had not defected despite earlier indicating Thursday as a possible timeline, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, said, “All I can tell you is that we are still in the PDP, and we are stronger together.” He added that although a committee had been set up to assess the party’s political future, no decision had been taken to leave the party.
Uncertainty Over Lawmakers’ Defections
Findings by Sunday PUNCH indicate growing uncertainty over the planned defection of some lawmakers, with several still undecided on their next move. Originally expected to dump the PDP for the ADC, Mansur Soro, the lawmaker representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, told Sunday PUNCH that consultations were ongoing.
“We are still consulting and we’ll decide in the next one week,” he stated, when asked if his movement to the ADC remained sacrosanct despite INEC’s decision not to recognize the Mark-led NWC.
Similarly, Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, whose defection from the Labour Party to the ADC was recently announced on the floor of the House, declined to state his next move if the crisis persists. Asked what options he would explore, he responded tersely, “What do you mean by if the controversy is not resolved? I don’t want to talk about this issue for now.”
On his part, Uchenna Okonkwo, the lawmaker representing Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, downplayed the significance of INEC’s action, expressing confidence in a legal resolution. He said, “The Court of Appeal did not ask INEC to yank off anybody’s name. The court said the status quo should be maintained but the umpire chose to interpret it the way it deemed it.”
Okonkwo added that regardless of the outcome, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, would lead the way for many LP defectors. He concluded, “It is unfortunate that people are not being allowed to exercise their democratic choice to decide where they want to be. Those who are celebrating today are reminded that the challenges we face as a people are party neutral. Poor power supply, cost of fuel and high living conditions affect all.”
