ADC Discloses Why Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Are Still in Their Parties

Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has explained why prominent opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, have signed on to the new ADC coalition but have not yet officially defected from their parties.
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of Arise TV’s Morning Show, Abdullahi reportedly gave the explanation, pointing out that a number of prominent politicians are now participating in ongoing electoral processes that are planned in advance of the general elections in 2027.
The former governor and his political organization are currently supporting politicians running under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and have already bought nomination forms on that platform, Abdullahi disclosed, citing Nasir El-Rufai in particular.

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“These parties are participating in elections that are scheduled before 2027, and individuals such as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai have his group participating in them,” Abdullahi stated. On the platform of those parties, they have thus purchased forms.

It makes sense, then, to let them contest based on those parties’ arguments. Upon completion of it, everyone is, in theory, in ADC.

According to Abdullahi, the coalition’s goal is to keep Nigeria from devolving into what he called a “one-party civilian dictatorship,” regardless of individual members’ existing loyalties.

“What we are doing is very clear to us,” he stated. This coalition includes everyone who thinks Nigeria cannot be written off as a one-party state.

“Anyone who believes that we should watch Nigeria turn into a one-party civilian dictatorship can start to complain about all of this.”

Although he conceded that the coalition will face many problems on its journey to 2027, the former minister insisted that the team was ready for the challenges.

“We do not anticipate a smooth journey. We are prepared to handle any challenges that may arise,” he stated.