The African Democratic Congress(ADC) has provided an explanation for the absence of former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi from the November 17 presentation of its new secretariat in Abuja.
The ADC dismissed reports suggesting that Obi snubbed the leadership because the secretariat was formerly Atiku’s campaign office.
Although former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, ADC National Chairman David Mark, and the party’s National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola were present for the presentation, Obi and Atiku were not there and did not make any official remarks.
According to Mark, the coalition’s goal of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape is reflected in the new secretariat.
“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.
According to sources, Peter Obi’s absence had been largely interpreted as a rejection of the secretariat because of its previous link to Atiku. However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the insinuation, insisting Obi remained committed to the coalition.
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According to Abdullahi, Atiku was unable to attend the celebration because of other commitments, and Peter Obi was abroad.
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.”
Abdullahi went on to say that there was no division among ADC leaders and that the coalition was still committed to overthrowing President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and former campaign spokesperson, denied rumours that Peter Obi intended to leave the ADC.
He claimed that Obi was merely delaying the announcement of his next political move in order to make the “right decision.”
“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.
Additionally, Tanko explained that Obi was being deliberate about his political future, stressing that the former Anambra governor would not allow himself to be cornered.
“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.
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“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, Peter Obi’s timetable has not changed.
“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.
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