ADC admits blow after Obi, Kwankwaso exit

The African Democratic Congress has admitted that the exit of two prominent political figures from its fold is a setback, but insists it does not threaten the party’s long-term electoral plans.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the departure of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso would not derail preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Both Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential race under the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, had briefly aligned with the ADC as part of talks to build a united opposition front. However, they have now moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress as they reposition politically.

Abdullahi acknowledged the impact of their departure but maintained that the party remained focused.

“Is it a setback? The answer is yes. Is it a fatal blow? The answer is no, because the objectives are very clear. They are still the same,” he said.

When asked whether the collapse of the proposed coalition weakened the ADC, particularly given the combined vote strength of the two politicians in 2023, Abdullahi dismissed the assumption that past results would automatically translate into future gains.

He also admitted personal disappointment over the development.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left. And I cannot tell you why, because I have my own sentiments. I’m not happy they left,” he said.

Despite this, Abdullahi suggested that their exit had eased internal tensions within the party.

“In a way, it’s a bit of relief. Now we can focus on really doing what we need to do without being under the pressure cooker that they were trying to put us in. I am not disheartened. No, no, not at all,” he added.

He stressed that the ADC would not adopt an antagonistic stance towards the former allies.

“We don’t think they are our enemies. We are not going to go into a dogfight with them,” he said.

Obi, in explaining his decision, cited persistent internal disputes and what he described as orchestrated legal battles within the party. He said his move was guided by reflection on the country’s situation rather than personal ambition.

According to him, such challenges were designed to edge him out of the political process. He warned against weakening opposition parties, noting that democracy suffers when balance is lost.