ADC clears air on Obi, El-Rufai’s entry amid rising speculations

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has responded to growing questions about the delayed formal entry of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into the party.

At a media briefing in Abuja, ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that both men were completing electoral processes within their former parties before making a formal transition.

“They were given the opportunity to finalise pending elections, including by-elections and the selection of governorship candidates, within their legacy parties,” Abdullahi stated.

He assured that both Obi and El-Rufai remained committed to the ADC coalition and that internal democracy within the party would be upheld.

“We have no hidden agenda or preferred candidate. Everyone will have a fair chance in the race for the party’s ticket,” he added.

Legal Assurance and Criticism of APC Governors

Addressing concerns over legal uncertainties, Abdullahi dismissed reports of any looming legal threat to the party’s activities, emphasizing that all processes were “airtight” to avoid exploitation by the ruling party.

He also condemned a restriction reportedly issued by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo against Peter Obi, calling it undemocratic and authoritarian.

“Nigeria is a free country. We don’t need visas to move within our own country,” Abdullahi said, warning against a trend of APC governors stifling opposition movement.

Maduabum Quits PDP, Joins ADC

In a major political shift, CID Maduabum, former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, resigned from the PDP and announced his defection to the ADC. He cited the collapse of moral and ideological integrity within the PDP.

“The PDP today is a shadow of what it used to be… I can no longer stay in a house that has lost its moral direction,” Maduabum said.

He described his move as more than party defection — a step toward national reform.

“I have joined the ADC as a reformer… the fight to rescue Nigeria has started, and this time, on a stronger foundation.”

Obidient Movement Warns Against “Cash-and-Carry” Ticket

In Ebonyi State, members of the Obidient Movement marked Peter Obi’s 64th birthday with a warning to the ADC against selling its presidential ticket to the highest bidder.

“Nobody is more qualified than Peter Obi,” said Splendour Oko Eze, LP’s 2023 Ebonyi governorship candidate.

“The coalition should be a platform for liberating poor Nigerians, not for selling tickets to the highest bidder.”

The celebration included charity visits and fuel donations, underscoring their support for Obi as “an institution of hope,” according to Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a member of the movement’s national advisory committee.

Ayiri Emami: Omo-Agege Not Leaving APC

Meanwhile, APC chieftain Ayiri Emami dispelled rumours that former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege was planning to defect to the ADC.

“He doesn’t have a plan to leave… but nobody will accept being pushed out. That might cause chaos,” Emami said.

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He warned against internal power struggles in the APC Delta State chapter and recalled past sacrifices made by loyalists during the party’s formative years.

Okechukwu: No ADC Leader Can Inherit Buhari’s 12 Million Votes

Former Voice of Nigeria DG Osita Okechukwu declared that no leader within the ADC could inherit former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 12-million vote base.

“Buhari’s moral compass, transparency and anti-graft stance cannot be mimicked by any of the current aspirants,” he said.

He cautioned against attempts to weaponize ethnic politics and warned ADC leaders against assuming that northern loyalty can be easily transferred.

“Flying the northern card is a mirage. Northern voters are patriotic and strategic,” Okechukwu stated, calling on all political actors to respect the north-south power rotation.