ADC Leaders clarify absence of Peter Obi and Atiku at new Abuja secretariat, dismissing speculation of rift and confirming coalition unity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has addressed 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 November 17, clarifying that their nonattendance was not a snub.

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While 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 absent and did not issue any statements.

Mark described the new secretariat as a testament to the coalition’s 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,” Mark said.

The absence of Obi had sparked speculation that he was rejecting the coalition due to the secretariat’s prior use as Atiku’s campaign office.

However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed the claims, explaining that Obi was out of the country, while Atiku had other engagements.

Abdullahi clarified that the building is leased by the ADC, not owned by Atiku, and reaffirmed that there is no rift within the coalition.

He said the group remains united in its aim to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, denied claims that Obi plans to leave the ADC.

Tanko said the former governor is taking deliberate time to make his political decisions and will announce his intentions at the appropriate moment following the Anambra election.

“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. He will make a statement soon because he needs to get it right, especially as many parties are showing interest in him,” Tanko said.

He emphasised that Obi seeks to make a careful choice and avoid being cornered in his political ambitions.

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ADC leaders continue to assert that their coalition is cohesive and focused on unseating the ruling party in the 2027 elections, with Obi’s eventual decision expected to align with this objective.