Peter Obi’s defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked reactions within the party, with National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirming that Obi was the most favoured aspirant during his time in the ADC. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Abdullahi challenged Obi’s claim that internal conflicts were the primary reason for his exit, asserting that the party had always supported Obi more than any other candidate. He emphasized that Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s departures were significant due to their stature in Nigerian politics, but not a fatal blow to the ADC’s mission.
Abdullahi acknowledged the loss of two prominent figures, stating that their exit was noticeable and impactful. However, he maintained that the ADC remains committed to building a broad-based coalition to counter the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He explained that the party’s strategy was born out of necessity, as individual political parties had become weakened and fragmented. The ADC, according to Abdullahi, aimed to unite forces to present a strong, unified front capable of winning elections and steering the country away from what he described as the “misrule” of the APC.
He further clarified that the defections stemmed from differing political visions, not internal wrangling or legal troubles. Abdullahi dismissed the idea that the ADC was overwhelmed by legal challenges, noting that the party currently faces only three cases, which he described as “flimsy.” He stressed that these legal issues were not the reason for Obi’s departure, especially since Obi had previously acknowledged that presenting two candidates against President Bola Tinubu would give him a chance to win. Abdullahi questioned what had changed in Obi’s position, implying that the real reason for the switch was ideological divergence.
The ADC’s leadership remains focused on its goal of forming a formidable political alliance, one that transcends party lines and brings together diverse voices for national change. Abdullahi reiterated that the party’s foundation is built on consensus and collective action, not personal favouritism or internal power struggles. He underscored that while Obi and Kwankwaso have chosen different paths, the ADC’s mission remains unchanged — to build a strong, inclusive party that can challenge the ruling APC and offer Nigerians a viable alternative.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the ADC’s ability to maintain unity and attract support will be crucial in the upcoming elections. The party’s resilience in the face of high-profile defections signals its determination to remain a key player in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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