‘Why Peter Obi, El-Rufai haven’t officially joined ADC yet’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has broken its silence on the delayed official entry of two prominent Nigerian political figures former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

For weeks, speculations have swirled about the duo’s anticipated move to the ADC, sparking curiosity and concern among party supporters and political observers. However, the party has now provided clarity.

During a weekend media briefing in Abuja, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the delay was a strategic decision. According to him, the party gave both Obi and El-Rufai the time and space to conclude necessary political processes and transitions within their former parties before making any official move.

READ ALSO: JUST IN : Gov Okpebholo bars Peter Obi from visiting Edo without clearance, gives reason 

“They were given the opportunity to finalise pending elections, including by-elections and the selection of governorship candidates, within their legacy parties,” Abdullahi explained.

He further clarified that their delayed membership is not indicative of indecision or lack of interest but rather a strategic and respectful approach to political transition.

“Both of them have assured us of their commitment to the ADC and will be joining fully at the appropriate time,” he said.

Meanwhile, members of the Obidient Movement in Ebonyi State issued a warning to the ADC against selling its presidential ticket in the 2027 elections to the highest bidder.

Speaking during an event held in Abakaliki to mark Obi’s 64th birthday, the group emphasized the need for internal democracy and credibility in the selection of candidates.

“We believe Peter Obi remains the most qualified and trusted to lead Nigeria out of its challenges. Any manipulation of the primaries will be rejected,” one speaker said.

The event featured community outreach activities including charity donations, visits to vulnerable groups, and distribution of free petrol to commercial motorcyclists.

In a significant political defection, Mr. CID Maduabum, a former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his allegiance to the ADC.

In a strongly worded statement, Maduabum decried what he described as the PDP’s “moral collapse.”

“The PDP today is a shadow of its former self, a party consumed by confusion, betrayal, and destruction by self-serving individuals,” he said. “The ADC offers a fresh start based on discipline, youth inclusion, and national renewal.”

He noted that his move wasn’t just a change of party but a shift towards real political reform. “We must rebuild Nigeria from the ground up, based on justice, merit, and values.”

Also weighing in on the ADC’s ambitions, former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VoN), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, dismissed any notion that current ADC leaders could replicate the grassroots electoral appeal of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

“No ADC leader can inherit Buhari’s 12 million vote bank. The former President’s support base was built over five decades on transparency, anti-corruption, and public trust,” Okechukwu said after attending a memorial service in Buhari’s honour.

He criticized politicians seeking to leverage Buhari’s northern support base for their own ambitions, noting that past efforts to absorb members of Buhari’s former party — the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) into the ADC failed.

“The northern electorate is highly discerning. They voted for Abiola in 1993 and gave Tinubu a stronger northern mandate in 2023 than even the southern electorate,” he stated.

On the issue of internal party integrity, Abdullahi reassured supporters that the ADC is not facing any significant legal battles.

“We are confident in the legality of every step we’ve taken and have closed all potential loopholes the ruling party might seek to exploit,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about elite interference in the party’s nomination process.

“There will be no favoured candidates. Every aspirant will be treated equally. The 2027 presidential ticket will be contested in a free and fair process.”

The ADC’s growing profile comes at a time of visible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. While insiders remain confident about the prospects of forming a broad, values-based coalition, cracks have already begun to show as supporters demand transparency and ideological clarity.

With political heavyweights like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai in the mix, and defectors from the PDP and APC swelling its ranks, the ADC faces both an opportunity and a test to prove that it can offer an alternative not only in words but through credible internal processes and unified leadership.

(Vanguard)