Nigerian Senators Abubakar Gada and Enyinnaya Abaribe Switch Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Sokoto Senator Abubakar Gada officially defected from the African Democratic Party (ADC) to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on January 24, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gada, a former federal lawmaker, accused the Senate of not fully identifying with the ADC and expressed the need to reclaim and rebuild the PDP in Sokoto State.

He had initially considered joint leadership with the ADC in Sokoto State but faced challenges with the party's activities. Meanwhile, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, announced his departure from the Progress Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the ADC for the 2027 elections.

Abaribe, alongside former presidential candidate Peter Obi, cited reasons for their decisions. These defections signal significant political movements ahead of the upcoming elections.