Babachir Lawal: Peter Obi Was Never Fully Committed to ADC

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has said that Peter Obi was never fully committed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the former presidential candidate’s participation in the coalition was limited and lacked full integration.

Lawal made the remarks on Tuesday during a Prime Time interview on Arise Television, where he addressed internal developments within the ADC coalition and wider political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that Obi only joined the coalition after its structure had already been formed and did not fully participate in its organisational framework or long-term planning. According to him, this limited engagement contributed to concerns about the depth of Obi’s involvement.

Lawal added that party leaders made efforts to accommodate Obi within the coalition structure, including allowing him to nominate the organising secretary, a key position responsible for coordinating electoral activities and internal administration. He said the gesture was intended to promote inclusiveness and trust within the party system.

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Despite these efforts, Lawal stated that doubts remained over Obi’s commitment to the coalition’s processes, particularly regarding his willingness to fully participate in internal competition and party decision-making structures.

He further suggested that Obi’s eventual exit from the coalition may have been influenced by disagreements over internal party arrangements, including expectations around contesting in competitive primaries. Lawal maintained that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy and equal opportunity for all aspirants.

He also dismissed interpretations linking his past support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election to continued political alignment, stressing that such support was based on circumstances at the time rather than long-term political loyalty. According to him, his political decisions are guided by personal conviction rather than allegiance to individuals.

The comments come amid ongoing debates within Nigeria’s opposition space, where coalition-building efforts continue to face challenges over leadership structure, candidate selection, and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 elections. All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant political force as opposition parties seek unity.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi remains a key figure in opposition politics, with his alliances and political direction closely watched across the country.

No official response has been issued by Obi regarding Lawal’s latest remarks.

Babachir Lawal: Peter Obi Was Never Fully Committed to ADC

North May Not Back Obi–Kwankwaso Ticket, Says Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has criticised the exit of Peter Obi from the Labour Party Nigeria, describing it as a sign of weak leadership amid ongoing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Baba-Ahmed, who recently moved to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), also questioned the political strength of a potential alliance between Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning that it may struggle to secure support from northern voters.

Speaking to journalists, Baba-Ahmed said regional voting patterns remain a key factor in Nigerian elections, arguing that the proposed political partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso may face resistance in the North. “It is very unlikely that the north will rally around Obi and Kwankwaso,” he said, noting that north-south political dynamics in Nigeria continue to shape electoral outcomes.

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Baba-Ahmed revealed that he had earlier advised Obi to build broader political alliances, including engaging Kwankwaso and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as part of early preparations for the 2027 elections. According to him, the emerging alignment between Obi and Kwankwaso reflects suggestions he made in 2024, although he expressed doubts about its effectiveness. “So they are going together now with Kwankwaso; it’s my idea… Will it work? I think it’s a big question. We’ll wait and see,” he said. He also questioned why Kwankwaso did not support Obi in the 2023 elections, suggesting that unresolved political disagreements could weaken any renewed cooperation.

Baba-Ahmed also faulted Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party during its internal crisis, arguing that the former Anambra State governor should have stayed to resolve the party’s challenges. “Someone who got a Labour Party ticket so easily should have stayed to fix the problems of the Labour Party,” he said. He added that leadership in a politically complex country like Nigeria requires resilience and the willingness to confront internal disputes rather than abandon them. “A leader must be firm… You are going into politics, which is a contact sport. If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house,” he said.

The comments come amid ongoing Nigeria opposition realignment efforts, with political figures repositioning and exploring new coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the emerging alliances between key opposition figures highlight both the fluid nature of Nigerian politics and the challenges of building a united front capable of challenging dominant political structures.

North May Not Back Obi–Kwankwaso Ticket, Says Datti Baba-Ahmed

Akpabio Mocks ADC Collapse as Lawmakers Defect in Droves

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked fresh political debate after declaring the African Democratic Congress (ADC) “dead,” following a wave of high-profile defections in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Speaking during plenary, Akpabio reacted to the growing list of lawmakers abandoning the ADC for other parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Labour Party Nigeria. Among the defectors is Victor Umeh, who formally resigned from the ADC, citing internal party crisis and “unending litigation.”

“Maybe all those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper and bring it… because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing laughter and reactions from lawmakers.

He also mocked the frequency of party switching, questioning the trend of repeated defections within short periods. “How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he joked, suggesting a more coordinated system where lawmakers submit bulk defection notices instead of individual announcements.

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Akpabio further highlighted the case of Enyinnaya Abaribe, noting his movement from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to ADC, and now to the Labour Party. The remark underscored a growing pattern of political realignment in Nigeria, as politicians shift alliances ahead of future elections.

The crisis within the ADC extends beyond the Senate. In the House of Representatives, no fewer than 16 lawmakers have also defected to the NDC and Labour Party. Those affected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, and Lilian Orogbu, reflecting deepening instability within the party.

In his resignation letter, Umeh stressed that ongoing divisions and court battles made his continued stay in the ADC untenable. “I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he wrote.

Political observers say the wave of defections highlights leadership struggles in ADC, lack of internal cohesion, and uncertainty over the party’s future. The development is seen as part of a broader Nigeria political realignment ahead of 2027 elections, with lawmakers repositioning for stronger platforms.

Although the ADC leadership has yet to issue an official response, analysts warn that continued defections could significantly weaken the party’s national relevance and reshape the balance of power in the National Assembly.

Akpabio Mocks ADC Collapse as Lawmakers Defect in Droves