WorldStage– The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed as false a viral claim that five serving governors, 18 senators, and several members of the House of Representatives are set to defect to the party at a grand reception in Abuja on January 14, 2026.
The rumor, which has circulated widely across social media platforms since January 6, alleged that Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Alex Otti of Abia, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara would formally join the ADC at a mega rally at Eagle Square. In a response to the growing online traction, the ADC described the circulating list of defectors as fictitious and clarified that no such event or mass defection has been scheduled.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the reports as speculative, noting that while the party is gaining momentum for the 2027 elections, the specific claims of a mass defection scheduled for mid-January were unverified.
Governor Babagana of Zulum Borno State also dismissed as “fictitious and mischievous” reports that he and five other governors planned to join the ADC.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former APC National Chairman, one of those rumoured for the defection, reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, stating he had not defected or even associated with the ADC.
Also, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, former Minister of Defence, described reports of his defection to the ADC as “baseless and speculative.”
The viral message claimed five serving governors, 18 senators, and several House of Representatives members were preparing to defect.
The claim gained momentum on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), often shared with dramatic captions such as “Breaking News” and “Coalition Updates,” alongside calls for supporters to “be part of history.”
While some posts cautioned readers that the information was unverified or labeled it as a rumor, others presented it as established fact without attribution or confirmation.
Observers suggest these rumors are driven by early political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the specific “mass defection” claims were dismissed, the ADC has seen some confirmed movement.
The party recently welcomed high-profile figures and some federal lawmakers who moved from the Labour Party and other opposition groups.
Simultaneously, the ADC has criticized the APC for allegedly attempting to turn Nigeria into a “one-party state” following the actual defection of some opposition governors (such as those from Enugu and Bayelsa) to the ruling party.
No official statements have been issued by the named governors, their respective state governments, or the leadership of the National Assembly to support the claim.
As of January 9, there is no independent evidence beyond social media amplification to substantiate the reported defections.
The speculation is unfolding against the backdrop of early political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
There have been confirmed defections to the ADC in recent months, including high-profile political figures and a handful of federal lawmakers who moved from the Labour Party.
These developments have fueled broader conversations about coalition-building and party strength, particularly as established parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seek to retain influential figures amid growing competition.
Separately, other party movements have occurred across the political landscape, including reports of defections involving state-level actors unrelated to the ADC claims.
For now, political observers caution against drawing conclusions from unverified online reports.
Unless confirmed by official announcements from the individuals involved or their parties, the alleged January 14 mass defection remains, speculative.
