The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has granted a strategic waiver to former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, allowing both men to continue supporting the emerging opposition coalition for the 2027 general elections while remaining in their respective political parties.
The confirmation was made by Bolaji Abdullahi, interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, during an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
“Obi is correct. This applies to himself and Nasir El-Rufai. Their supporters have already obtained forms to contest in their legacy parties, so asking them to defect would disrupt their structures,” Abdullahi explained.
The clarification comes on the heels of a stern warning issued by ADC interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, who during a recent address in Abuja declared the party’s zero tolerance for anti-party activities.
“You are either in ADC or not. No mid-way in this business,” Mark had said, in what was interpreted as a veiled message to coalition members still affiliated with other parties.
In spite of the chairman’s warning, Obi’s camp has maintained that his participation in the coalition does not compromise his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP), under which he contested the 2023 presidential election.
“Our principal made it clear from the beginning that he remains a Labour man. The coalition is for 2027,” said Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.
Abdullahi further stated that the ADC’s waiver was a tactical decision aimed at preserving political structures already established within various parties.
“There is no point in pulling down what people have built simply for appearances. What matters is the unity of purpose going into 2027,” he noted.
Reacting to swirling rumours that Obi had re-joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or accepted a leadership position within the ADC, his media aide, Umar Ibrahim, categorically denied the claims.
“Peter Obi has been unequivocal in his stance. He hasn’t made any such statements. The public should ignore unauthenticated sources,” Ibrahim said.
Obi, who continues to enjoy strong grassroots support among Nigerian youth, has reiterated his focus on what he calls “building a new Nigeria of our dreams,” insisting that party alliances must be driven by shared values rather than personal ambition.
