ADC Finally Speaks on Why Atiku, Peter Obi Did Not Attend Secretariat Unveiling

• The African Democratic Congress has addressed public speculation surrounding the absence of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were absent during the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on November 17.

Their absence had triggered speculation, with some reports suggesting that Obi deliberately stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. However, the party dismissed the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

The event was attended by the ADC National Chairman, David Mark; the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Both Obi and Atiku did not issue any formal statement regarding their absence.

Mark described the new secretariat as a bold statement of the coalition’s intention to influence Nigeria’s political future. “It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity, inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a stronger democracy,” he said.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding Obi’s absence, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the speculation was misplaced. He explained that Obi was out of the country at the time, while Atiku had other engagements. “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available,” he said.

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Abdullahi also dismissed claims that the secretariat’s history had caused friction within the coalition. “There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us. Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”

He maintained that the coalition remained united in its broader goal of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, rejected claims that Obi was preparing to leave the coalition. Tanko said Obi was only taking time to make the “right decision” before announcing his next political move. “No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from. He will make a statement soon because he needs to get it right now that a lot of people are showing interest in him,” he said.

Tanko emphasised that Obi remained intentional about his political future and was unwilling to be boxed into any arrangement. “He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. So he needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket. Our hope is that since the presidency is the turn of a southern candidate, the ADC will be looking to give him the ticket.”

According to him, Obi’s timeline remained unchanged. “Already, he said he would make his intention known after the Anambra election. And he will do it at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he added.