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

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