ADC to Obi: Decide on joining party ahead of 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to clarify his intentions regarding joining the party.

While ADC described Obi as a key political figure for its coalition, it stressed that it would not compel him to join.

Obi had reportedly raised concerns about unresolved issues within the ADC-led coalition, particularly around zoning arrangements, describing the group as “unstable.”

He expressed confidence in the coalition’s leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, but emphasized the need for the coalition to resolve foundational issues before he fully committed.

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Obi’s media office, however, denied that he granted the interview.

The ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed the instability claim, urging Obi to make up his mind.

He stated that the party’s priority was to present itself as a credible alternative to Nigerians, adding that zoning discussions were secondary at this stage.

“We want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics and provide a credible alternative,” Abdullahi said.

Obi’s loyalists, including former campaign spokesman Yunusa Tanko, urged patience, saying the former governor was consulting widely with his constituency and stakeholders before making a decision.

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Tanko also confirmed Obi’s intention to contest the 2027 presidency, stressing that the North should wait until 2031 for its turn, in line with general consensus on zoning.

Tanko called on ADC and other political actors to give Obi sufficient time to consider his next political move, emphasizing that the decision was crucial for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.