The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has addressed growing questions around the delay in the full membership of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The clarification came as the former Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Mr. C.I.D. Maduabum officially resigned from the PDP and joined the ADC.
In a related development, APC chieftain in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, dismissed speculation that former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, plans to defect from the APC to the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, members of the Obidient Movement have cautioned the ADC leadership against auctioning its 2027 presidential ticket to the highest bidder.
Also weighing in, former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, declared that no ADC leader could inherit the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s 12 million bloc votes.
At a media briefing in Abuja over the weekend, ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that both Obi and El-Rufai were still wrapping up political commitments with their former parties.
“They were given the opportunity to finalise pending elections, including by-elections and the selection of governorship candidates, within their legacy parties,” Abdullahi said.
He added that both men remained committed to the ADC coalition and would formally complete their transition after concluding those engagements.
Abdullahi also addressed internal concerns about fairness and transparency in the party. “We have no hidden agenda or preferred candidate. Everyone will have a fair chance in the race for the party’s ticket,” he assured.
On the issue of legal standing, he dismissed reports that the ADC was entangled in legal disputes: “We are confident in the legality of every step we have taken. We made sure we closed all loopholes the ruling party might try to use against us.”
ADC condemned Edo gov
He also condemned recent remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly declared Peter Obi unwelcome in the state, calling it an undemocratic move and a dangerous trend among APC governors.
“Nigeria is a free country, and every citizen has the right to travel freely across the nation. We don’t need visas to move within our own country,” Abdullahi said.
“Since they failed to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, their new strategy is to issue threats, warning us not to visit their states. This is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy.”
