The newly established African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai are exempt from changing their political affiliations before the 2027 polls.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, confirmed this in an exclusive interview with Kogitribube on Wednesday.
This clarification comes on the heels of a stern warning from David Mark, the interim National Chairman of the ADC, who emphasized that the party would not tolerate any anti-party activities or indiscipline. Speaking to party members in Abuja, Mark stated, “There will be zero tolerance for anti-party and any form of indiscipline; you are either in ADC or not in ADC. No mid-way in this business, and those not with us, we will not carry them along.”
“Those who lack full commitment will not be included in our plans. We intend to realign our grassroots leadership structures to align with contemporary realities, from polling units up to the national level, ensuring every organ is revitalized,” a party spokesperson stated.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently designated as the flagship platform for the opposition coalition, is reportedly seeking to attract Peter Obi and other prominent politicians who have not yet officially joined the party. The ADC aims to ensure that its policies, nominations, and roles reflect the interests of future generations.
The camp of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has dismissed concerns regarding David Mark’s recent warning, asserting that Obi has already communicated his position to coalition leaders.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, told our correspondent that Obi will not be rushed into making any hasty decisions. “Before we even entered discussions about the coalition, our principal made it clear that he remains a Labour Party member and that his involvement in the coalition is focused on the 2027 elections,” he stated.
Tanko emphasized that this stance was made clear during the coalition’s formation stage, adding, “We don’t see this as an issue, as we established our position from the very beginning.”
When contacted for confirmation, Bolaji Abdullahi affirmed that both Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have been granted waivers to remain affiliated with their legacy parties for the time being.
Obi and El-Rufai Granted Concessions to Stay in Legacy Parties
A spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress confirmed that Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai will remain in their respective parties, as their supporters and allies have already obtained nomination forms for the upcoming elections. “We cannot ask them to defect, as it would disrupt the structures supporting them. They were granted a concession to stay in their parties until after the election,” he explained. “In summary, they requested this concession, and it was granted.”
Meanwhile, Obi has distanced himself from two viral statements circulating on social media. His media aide, Umar Ibrahim, issued a press release on Wednesday clarifying that neither statement originated from Obi or his office.
One claim suggested that Obi denied returning to the Peoples Democratic Party while reaffirming his commitment to the ADC. The other alleged that he had been offered the role of National Organising Secretary in the ADC. Ibrahim emphasized, “Peter Obi has been clear about his position in the ongoing coalition and does not need anyone to misrepresent him.”
“He remains committed to his mission and will not tolerate anyone misattributing statements to him to serve their own agendas,” a spokesperson stated.
The former Anambra State governor, a focal point of ongoing political speculation, continues to pursue his vision of “a New Nigeria of our dreams.”
His media office has urged the public to “disregard any statements claiming to come from him that are not issued through his media office or official social media accounts.”
