The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi were missing at the unveiling of the party’s new Abuja secretariat on November 17.
Their absence fuelled speculation that Obi was avoiding the event because the building had previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. However, the ADC dismissed this as false.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that Obi was abroad at the time, while Atiku had prior commitments. He stressed that neither leader had distanced themselves from the coalition.
“The programme was impromptu… Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available. There’s nothing to suggest Peter Obi is withdrawing,” Abdullahi said.
He also clarified that Atiku did not donate the building “He only leased it, and his rent expired before the ADC rented it.”
The unveiling was attended by ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Mark described the new secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s resolve to reshape Nigeria’s political future.
Abdullahi added that the coalition remains united in its mission to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, dismissed claims that Obi was preparing to abandon the coalition.
Tanko said Obi is taking time to make a well-considered political decision:
“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he feels trapped… Our hope is that, since it’s the turn of the South, the ADC will give him the ticket.”
He confirmed that Obi still intends to reveal his plans after the Anambra election and urged supporters not to pressure him.
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