The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on 17 November. The party dismissed rumours suggesting that Obi deliberately stayed away because the building once served as Atiku’s presidential campaign office.
The event was attended by key figures of the party, including its National Chairman, David Mark; National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. However, the absence of both Atiku and Obi had triggered speculation of tensions within the coalition.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mark described the new secretariat as symbolic of the ADC’s renewed ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political future. “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.
Public commentary quickly linked Obi’s absence to the building’s previous association with Atiku, sparking claims that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was distancing himself from the coalition. But the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the rumours, stressing that Obi remained fully aligned with the party’s objectives.
Abdullahi clarified that Obi was out of the country at the time of the event, while Atiku had prior engagements. “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available,” he said. He added that the building had no personal ties to Atiku: “He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”
He further insisted that there was no internal discord, emphasising that the coalition’s focus remained on unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Echoing this, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, said speculation that Obi would leave the ADC was unfounded. According to him, Obi was taking time to determine his political direction.
“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. He needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket,” Tanko said.
He added that Obi would announce his decision after the Anambra election, as previously indicated.
“He will do it at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he noted.
