Atiku Attacks APC Over Economic Decline as ADC Gains Ondo Defector

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for 2027, levelled fresh criticism at the All Progressives Congress on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State, alleging that the ruling party has presided over a significant decline in Nigeria's economic standing. Speaking during a reception for Eyitayo Jegede, a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party who switched to the ADC, Atiku asserted that Nigeria has dropped from its position as Africa's largest economy during the 1999–2007 period to fifth place under current administration policies.

Jegede's defection came alongside declarations that mounting economic hardship, joblessness, and security challenges have made a change of government necessary. The former PDP candidate formally moved to the ADC along with his political network, signalling broader efforts by the opposition party to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party officials described the recruitment drive as central to their strategy to seize control of government. In his remarks, Atiku pledged to restore fuel subsidies and strengthen security infrastructure should the ADC win the presidency, framing these measures as remedies for current economic distress.

The former Vice President directly called on voters to remove the APC from power at the next election, positioning the ADC as the vehicle for reversing what he characterised as administrative mismanagement of the nation's economy. The Akure event reflects intensifying opposition positioning for 2027, with multiple political figures citing identical grievances—unemployment, inflation, and insecurity—as drivers of party-switching and voter sentiment.

Jegede's move represents one of several high-profile defections from the PDP to smaller opposition platforms in recent months, as various political actors consolidate their bases.