The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially clarified that former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are not required to defect from their current political parties Labour Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP), respectively ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This confirmation was made by the interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an exclusive phone interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday.
His statement followed comments made a day earlier by ADC interim National Chairman, David Mark, who warned against any form of anti-party activity. While addressing party members in Abuja, Mark emphasized the party’s commitment to discipline and loyalty.
“There will be zero tolerance for anti-party and any form of indiscipline,” he stated.
“You are either in ADC or not in ADC. No mid-way in this business. Those who are not totally committed will not be carried along.”
He added that the ADC’s grassroots leadership structures would be reorganized to reflect modern political realities, from the polling unit level up to the national executive, and that the party’s operations would open the door to a younger generation of political actors.
Despite these tough remarks, there had been widespread speculation that the ADC was courting influential political figures like Obi and El-Rufai to join its ranks as part of a broader opposition coalition in preparation for the 2027 polls. However, concerns emerged after Mark’s stern declaration.
Reacting to the speculation, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, assured that Obi remains firmly with the Labour Party and has always been transparent about his political allegiance.
“Even before the issue of the coalition came up, our principal had made it clear that he is still a Labour man,” Tanko said.
“The coalition is only for strategic alignment towards 2027, and his stance has been communicated clearly from the start.”
When contacted for clarification on Obi and El-Rufai’s status in light of the ADC chairman’s remarks, Bolaji Abdullahi affirmed that both leaders had been granted a formal concession to remain in their legacy parties.
“Absolutely! Obi is correct. This applies to himself and Nasir (El-Rufai). Their supporters and allies have already obtained nomination forms under their respective parties,” Abdullahi explained.
“We cannot ask them to defect now. It would disrupt the political structures of those aligned with them. So yes, they requested a concession, and it was granted.”
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has distanced himself from viral statements currently circulating online, stressing that he remains focused on his political vision and has not made any contradictory declarations.
With this development, it appears that the ADC is prioritizing strategic alliances while maintaining party discipline, as it continues to position itself as a central platform in the emerging opposition coalition for the 2027 general elections.
