Obi ignored ADC policies, focused on 2027 ticket — Abdullahi

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has accused former presidential candidate Peter Obi of showing little interest in the party’s policy framework, alleging that his primary focus was securing the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Mr Abdullahi made the claim on Monday during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time programme, where he also described the recent exit of Mr Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the party as a setback but not a fatal blow.

The remarks follow Peter Obi’s exit from the African Democratic Congress, which he joined in March 2026 as part of a broader opposition coalition but left shortly after, citing internal crises and ongoing litigations.

‘He never engaged our policies’

Mr Abdullahi said the ADC had spent months developing a policy-driven manifesto, but Mr Obi failed to engage with its content.

“You may invite His Excellency Peter Obi and ask him, what is the ADC position on fuel subsidy? What is the ADC’s framework on security? He doesn’t know, because he’s never been interested,” he said.

“They are just waiting for the tickets to be handed to them,” he added.

Party membership divisions

Mr Abdullahi said ADC members fall into three categories: those seeking a platform for elections, those committed to ending what they describe as misgovernance by the All Progressives Congress, and those focused on building a policy-driven political party.

He suggested Mr Obi belonged to the first group.

“If you say you want to contest election… you should know what your party stands for,” he said.

ADC’s 2027 prospects

Despite the high-profile exits, Mr Abdullahi expressed confidence in the party’s ability to remain competitive ahead of the 2027 elections.

“No, no, no, absolutely. Maybe it’s a setback, but it’s a temporary setback. We are recalibrating, and we are going to come back stronger,” he said.

He added that the possibility of a three-horse race in 2027 may affect dynamics but would not cripple the party’s chances.

Mr Abdullahi also dismissed suggestions that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had emerged as the frontrunner for the ADC ticket following recent defections.

“This party ADC is not going to be an SPV for anybody,” he said, noting that other aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi, remain in contention.

Defection to NDC

Mr Obi and Mr Kwankwaso officially left the ADC on Sunday, citing internal disputes and what they described as deliberate efforts to frustrate their political participation.

They have since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, where they are advocating for litigation-free politics.

Mr Obi maintained that his decision was driven by the need to stabilise the political environment, noting that similar crises influenced his earlier exit from the Labour Party.