Politics

Bolaji Abdullahi: Peter Obi Ignorant of ADC Manifesto, Focused on Ticket

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdullahi: Peter Obi Ignorant of ADC Manifesto, Focused on Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the exit of prominent politicians Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as both a setback and a “huge relief,” amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi made the comments during an interview on ARISE News, where he said the party was not entirely unhappy about their departure. According to him, while the exit of such high-profile figures may reduce political weight in the short term, it also removes internal pressure within the party structure.

He explained that the ADC now has more room to focus on internal rebuilding and policy direction without what he described as intense competition over control of the party’s presidential ticket.

Abdullahi said the party does not see the development as a fatal blow, even though it represents a setback. He maintained that the ADC remains active and committed to strengthening its internal structures ahead of the next election cycle.

The ADC spokesman also criticised Peter Obi, alleging that the former presidential candidate did not engage deeply with the party’s ideological framework while he was associated with it. He claimed that Obi had limited understanding of the party’s policy positions on key national issues such as fuel subsidy and national security.

According to Abdullahi, the party had established a manifesto committee to define its governance direction and policy priorities, but argued that Obi showed little interest in its ideological foundation. He further alleged that Obi and some political actors were primarily focused on securing automatic access to the party’s presidential ticket rather than participating in ideological development.

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He also stated that the ADC is planning to adopt a consensus-based method for selecting its presidential candidate, arguing that internal primaries may not be practical under current political conditions. Abdullahi added that such a system would help the party avoid internal division and promote unity.

He went further to suggest that Obi would be more comfortable in a party structure where the presidential ticket is guaranteed by a single authority, rather than in a system driven by internal competition and consensus-building.

On Sunday, Peter Obi formally announced his exit from the ADC, a party he reportedly joined in December. In his resignation letter, he clarified that his decision was not due to personal disagreements with party leaders, including Senator David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Obi stated that he maintained respect for the party leadership but raised concerns about growing instability within opposition platforms. He alleged that internal crises, external interference, and political infiltration were affecting opposition unity and weakening focus on national issues.

He further warned that recurring divisions and legal battles within political parties could undermine efforts to build a strong and credible opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts say the development highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, where leadership struggles, coalition negotiations, and ideological differences continue to shape political alliances ahead of the next general election cycle.

Despite the disagreements, both sides maintain that they remain committed to broader democratic participation, even as Nigeria’s political realignment continues to gather momentum.

Bolaji Abdullahi: Peter Obi Ignorant of ADC Manifesto, Focused on Ticket

Politics

Breaking: 17 House of Reps Members Dump ADC for NDC

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Breaking: 17 House of Reps Members Dump ADC for NDC

No fewer than seventeen members of the Nigerian House of Representatives have formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a major political shake-up in the legislature ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Their defections were announced on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary on Tuesday, in a development that significantly alters party strength and legislative alignment in the lower chamber.

The lawmakers who joined the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.

The mass defection follows a wave of political movements across opposition ranks, coming just a day after prominent political figures including Peter Obi and former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, were reported to have exited the ADC for the NDC, further strengthening the emerging party’s national profile.

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Also announced during Tuesday’s plenary was the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding another layer to the ongoing reshuffling within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Political observers say the latest defections signal an intensifying wave of realignment as lawmakers and political actors reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC, in particular, appears to be gaining momentum in recent weeks, attracting high-profile entrants and legislative support.

Analysts note that such mass defections often reshape parliamentary dynamics, influencing committee leadership, voting blocs, and the balance of power between ruling and opposition parties.

However, reactions within the ADC have remained limited as party leadership is expected to formally respond to the development in the coming days. Internal consultations are reportedly ongoing as the party assesses the impact of the defections on its parliamentary strength and national structure.

With political activities already heating up ahead of 2027, the latest development underscores the volatility of Nigeria’s opposition politics and the early jockeying for influence among emerging and established parties.

Breaking: 17 House of Reps Members Dump ADC for NDC

Politics

2027: Obi–Kwankwaso Movement Claims 10 Million Nigerians Joined NDC Within 24 Hours

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)

2027: Obi–Kwankwaso Movement Claims 10 Million Nigerians Joined NDC Within 24 Hours

The South-West arm of the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement has claimed that more than 10 million Nigerians registered with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) within 24 hours of the alleged defection of Peter Obi, describing the development as a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The claim was made by the South-West Coordinator of the movement, Dr Adefolaseye Adebayo, who said the surge in registrations reflects growing public confidence in Obi’s leadership and his emerging influence within Nigeria’s opposition politics.

According to her, the rapid influx of new members signals a wider political realignment, particularly among supporters previously aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), some of whom she said have begun shifting allegiance following Obi’s reported move.

“Within 24 hours of Peter Obi joining the NDC, over 10 million Nigerians have registered with the party,” Adebayo claimed.

She further stated that the development has triggered a wave of defections from rival opposition platforms and grassroots political structures, adding that the momentum shows Obi’s continued popularity among voters across regions, especially in the South-West.

“They obviously know something. The person who has the capability to win the election is Obi,” she added.

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The movement’s coordinator said Obi’s entry into the NDC has energised political mobilisation efforts nationwide, with intensified grassroots engagement and increased political activity in several states. She argued that if sustained, the trend could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape and position the NDC as a stronger challenger in the 2027 race.

The claims come amid growing political realignments and coalition discussions ahead of the next general elections, as parties and political figures reposition themselves for influence.

However, the NDC leadership has not independently confirmed the reported 10 million registration figure as of the time of filing this report, and no official data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has verified the claim.

Political analysts note that while large membership claims are common during election build-ups in Nigeria, actual voter registration and party affiliation figures are typically subject to verification by electoral authorities. They also caution that such figures often reflect political messaging rather than confirmed statistical records.

The development adds to ongoing discussions around opposition unity, coalition-building, and the evolving political influence of Peter Obi, whose support base remains a major factor in Nigeria’s emerging 2027 political dynamics.

2027: Obi–Kwankwaso Movement Claims 10 Million Nigerians Joined NDC Within 24 Hours

Politics

Obi’s Exit Pushes Igbo Presidency Ambition Back 20 Years — ADC Chieftain

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Obi’s Exit Pushes Igbo Presidency Ambition Back 20 Years — ADC Chieftain

Hon. Kasimu Maigari of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that the political trajectory of Peter Obi has significantly delayed the Igbo presidency ambition, warning that the Southeast’s chances of producing Nigeria’s president have been pushed back by “about 20 years.”

Speaking on ARISE News, Maigari said his concern goes beyond electoral victory, focusing instead on the long-term political consequences of Obi’s movement on the Southeast’s quest for power at the centre.

According to him, despite Obi’s strong performance in the 2023 elections and his popularity among young voters, the movement has not translated into a unified or sustainable political structure capable of delivering the presidency for the region. He argued that the current direction of Obi’s politics may have weakened the region’s collective bargaining strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my worry is that he has pushed the Igbos 20 years backwards,” Maigari said.

The ADC chieftain further alleged that a significant number of Obi’s supporters are motivated by personal political ambitions rather than a shared ideological goal. He claimed many are positioning themselves to secure elective offices—including state assembly, House of Representatives, and governorship seats—by leveraging Obi’s popularity.

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Maigari also linked this trend to broader opposition dynamics, noting that politicians are aligning themselves with influential figures like Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to boost their electoral chances. However, he insisted that such alignments are driven more by strategy than genuine commitment to reform.

He expressed doubt about Obi’s chances in the 2027 presidential race, stating that prevailing political realities make his victory unlikely. Despite this, Maigari said the ADC remains strategically positioned and internally stable, preparing to capitalise on shifting alliances across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Interestingly, he suggested that Obi’s continued influence in key regions could indirectly benefit the ADC by reshaping voting patterns in areas previously dominated by the ruling party under Bola Tinubu.

Political analysts say the comments highlight growing divisions within Nigeria’s opposition, as parties begin early manoeuvring ahead of 2027. While Obi retains a loyal grassroots base, especially among urban youths, questions remain about coalition-building, party structure, and national spread—key factors in winning a presidential election.

The development has also reignited debate around zoning in Nigeria, with many stakeholders insisting that the Southeast deserves a fair shot at the presidency after decades of exclusion.

As the road to 2027 gathers momentum, the future of the Southeast presidency bid may depend on unity among regional leaders, strategic alliances, and the ability to convert popular support into electoral success.