Why Atiku, Obi didn’t show up at opening of new Abuja secretariat – ADC

The African Democratic Congress has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were not present at the inauguration of its new Abuja secretariat on November 17.

The party debunked claims suggesting that Obi stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office.

Although ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai attended the ceremony, neither Atiku nor Obi appeared at the event or issued any official comment.

Mark described the new complex as symbolic of the coalition’s broader political vision to reposition the country.“It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity, inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a stronger democracy,” he said.

Speculation had circulated that Obi avoided the venue because of its past connection to Atiku, but ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi rejected that narrative, stressing that Obi remained part of the coalition.

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Abdullahi noted that Obi was outside the country at the time, while Atiku had other commitments.He said, “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available.

“There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.

“Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”

He added that the party leadership remained united and focused on its mission to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesperson and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, dismissed suggestions that Obi planned to leave the ADC.

He said Obi was simply weighing his options carefully before announcing his next political direction.“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from. He will make a statement soon because he needs to get it right now that a lot of people are showing interest in him,” he said.

Tanko emphasised that Obi was deliberately taking his time to avoid being boxed into a corner.“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. So he needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket.

“Our hope is that since the presidency is the turn of a southern candidate, the ADC will be looking to give him the ticket.”

According to him, Obi’s previously announced timeline remains unchanged.“Already, he said he would make his intention known after the Anambra election. And he will do it at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he added.