The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has downplayed the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting their departure will not derail the party’s plans for the 2027 general elections.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said although the exit of both politicians was a setback, it did not constitute a “mortal blow” to the party’s ambitions. He acknowledged that their departure could affect earlier plans to present a unified opposition candidate but maintained that the ADC remains focused on its broader objectives.
Obi and Kwankwaso, both former presidential candidates, recently left the ADC to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following internal disagreements within the party.
Abdullahi alleged that Obi’s move was premeditated, claiming the former Anambra governor had only sought a platform to pursue his presidential ambition rather than contribute to building the party. He also dismissed Obi’s claims that legal disputes influenced his exit, describing the ongoing cases against the ADC as minor and not substantial enough to justify his decision.
He further rejected suggestions that any aspirant had been favoured within the party, insisting that Obi had, in fact, received significant concessions since joining.
Despite the high-profile defections, Abdullahi said the party would not engage in hostility with the former members, adding that the development could allow the ADC to refocus on strengthening its internal processes.
Meanwhile, Senator Victor Umeh, who moved with Obi to the NDC, defended the decision, citing internal crises and leadership disagreements within the ADC. He argued that the party lacked the structure to conduct a credible primary election.
Umeh added that the NDC offered a more stable platform, free from legal disputes, and expressed confidence in its leadership under Seriake Dickson.
Dickson also addressed concerns about the party’s legitimacy, presenting documentation from the Independent National Electoral Commission to affirm that the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017 and was properly updated when party registrations resumed.
He dismissed allegations surrounding the party’s status as unfounded, urging Nigerians to disregard what he described as propaganda and support the NDC’s political movement.
