Why Atiku, Obi shunned ADC secretariat launch – Party

The African Democratic Congress has cleared the air on why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were absent at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on November 17.

Their absence had triggered speculation, especially claims that Obi stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office.

But the ADC said there was nothing political about it.

The event was attended by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark; National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Atiku and Obi, however, were nowhere near the venue and did not issue any statement.

Mark described the new secretariat as a physical symbol of the coalition’s push to reshape Nigeria’s political direction.

“This is a testament to our resolve to build a greater nation. The ADC coalition is a child of necessity, inspired by Nigerians’ demand for good governance and accountability,” he said.

Rising talk that Obi deliberately avoided the event did not sit well with the party’s leadership. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the rumour, saying Obi remained committed to the coalition.

According to him, Obi was outside the country when the event was held, while Atiku had other engagements. He also corrected suggestions that Atiku owned the building.

“The programme was impromptu. Many leaders were not around. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available,” Abdullahi said.

“There’s nothing to suggest Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. And Atiku is not the owner of the building. He only leased it previously. His rent expired. The ADC rented the building.”

He added that there was no crisis within the coalition and insisted the ADC remained focused on its plan to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, also pushed back against claims that Obi was planning to dump the coalition.

He said Obi was only taking his time to choose the right political platform ahead of 2027.

“Obi is not abandoning the ADC. He will make a statement soon. He just wants to get it right, now that many groups are showing interest in him,” Tanko said.

He explained that Obi was being deliberate about his next move and would not allow himself to be boxed into a corner.

“He doesn’t want to feel trapped. So he must be careful about where he picks his ticket. Our hope is that since the presidency should rotate to the South, the ADC will give him the ticket.”

Tanko added that Obi’s timetable remained the same.

“He said he would make his intention known after the Anambra election. He will speak at the right time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he said.