ADC in crisis as Atiku, Peter Obi delay formal membership

ADC in crisis as Atiku, Peter Obi delay formal membership

The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC)’s attempt to position itself as a unified opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general election has hit turbulence.

Despite initial optimism following its adoption as the coalition’s platform, uncertainty now clouds the membership status of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

Both men are seen as crucial to the opposition’s plans, with Obi’s massive youth-driven base and Atiku’s northern following expected to bolster the ADC’s reach across the country.

However, Sunday Sun findings revealed growing unease within the party over the absence of formal membership documentation for both political figures.

According to the Electoral Act, a person must be a registered member of a political party to contest elections under its platform, a condition yet to be met by the two men.

Although Obi has publicly endorsed the ADC and attended coalition meetings, he has yet to register formally as a member.

Atiku, who publicly backed the coalition and resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is also yet to complete his registration in his Adamawa ward.

Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, however, confirmed that “the process of formalising his full membership is still in progress.”

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This ambiguity, insiders say, has created “a crisis of confidence” within the ADC, raising fears that the coalition’s legal and structural foundations may be shaky.

A source said “a loosely defined coalition could collapse or be hijacked by opportunists if the major political heavyweights do not submit to the party structure.”

The new ADC leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, has urged Atiku, Obi, and others to formalise their membership without delay.

Mark reportedly warned that members must decide whether they are “in the ADC or not,” stressing that the party “does not have time to waste.”

While Atiku’s resignation from the PDP is confirmed, the delay in his formal registration with the ADC has heightened uncertainty about his 2027 ambitions.

The situation has been compounded by reports linking him to the proposed registration of a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), alongside Nasir el-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.

When asked why his principal had yet to complete his registration, Ibe replied: “The process is ongoing. It includes setting up structures. The final stage will be when he collects his card.”

Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s position remains equally fluid.

Though he has endorsed the ADC coalition, he has not resigned from the Labour Party (LP), where he still commands strong loyalty among supporters of the Obidient Movement.

Sources within the coalition say Obi’s chances of clinching the ADC presidential ticket appear slim due to Atiku’s dominance, a factor that may explain his reluctance to formalise membership.

Some members of the LP have reportedly issued him an ultimatum to decide between the party and the ADC.

With both men keeping their options open, the coalition risks fragmentation ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC in crisis as Atiku, Peter Obi delay formal membership