The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
A statement from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, refuted claims that Obi avoided the event due to the secretariat’s previous use as Atiku’s campaign office.
While ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai attended the unveiling, both Obi and Atiku were absent and did not release any formal statements.
During the inauguration, Mark emphasized the secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s ambition to transform Nigeria’s political landscape.
“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 stated.
Speculation about Obi’s absence being linked to Atiku was dismissed by Abdullahi, who affirmed Obi’s commitment to the coalition, citing Obi’s international travel and Atiku’s other engagements as reasons for their absence.
He remarked, “The programme was impromptu; most party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was abroad, and Atiku was unavailable. There’s nothing to suggest Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.
“Let me clarify that Atiku is not the building’s owner, nor did he donate it to the ADC. He leased it, and his rent had expired. The ADC subsequently rented the building.”
Abdullahi further assured that there were no divisions among ADC leaders, emphasizing the coalition’s unity in its aim to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
