The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified why former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were absent during the unveiling of its new national secretariat on November 17 in Abuja.
The party dismissed suggestions that Obi shunned the event because the building previously served as Atiku’s 2023 campaign office.
While several high-profile figures, including ADC National Chairman, David Mark; National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, attended the ceremony, both Obi and Atiku were notably missing and issued no formal statements.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mark described the new secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s wider ambition to reshape Nigeria’s governance landscape.
“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.
Reacting to widespread speculation, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking with Punch, said Obi’s absence had nothing to do with political differences, insisting the former presidential candidate remains committed to the coalition.
Abdullahi said, “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available.
“There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”
He also debunked rumours linking the secretariat to Atiku.
“Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building,” he clarified.
Abdullahi stressed that there is “no rift whatsoever” among coalition leaders, adding that the alliance remains focused on defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
‘Obi Is Taking His Time To Decide’ — Obidient Movement
Similarly, the former spokesman of the Obi-Datti Campaign and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi is not dumping the coalition.
“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from,” Tanko said.
According to him, Obi is carefully weighing his options before publicly declaring his next political step.
“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. So he needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket,” he noted.
Tanko added that since many Nigerians are showing interest in Obi, he must “get it right” before making a formal announcement.
“Our hope is that since the presidency is the turn of a southern candidate, the ADC will be looking to give him the ticket,” he said.
Obi has previously stated that he would unveil his decision after the Anambra governorship election, and Tanko confirmed that the timeline has not changed.
“He will make his intention known at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he added.
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