ADC has addressed Peter Obi and El-Rufai’s membership delay amid 2027 political shake-up.
In a major development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified the status of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amid growing speculation about their delayed formal defection to the party.
At a press briefing held in Abuja over the weekend, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, confirmed that both Obi and El-Rufai remain fully committed to the party’s broader coalition, despite not yet formalizing their memberships.
“They were permitted to conclude pending electoral processes—such as by-elections and governorship selections—within their legacy parties. But their alignment with ADC remains intact,” Abdullahi said.
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Obidient Movement Warns Against Ticket-for-Sale Politics
Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, the Obidient Movement issued a strong warning to the ADC against auctioning its 2027 presidential ticket to the highest bidder. The caution came during events marking Peter Obi’s 64th birthday, which included humanitarian outreach and a renewed call for internal party democracy.
“Peter Obi remains the most qualified leader to rescue Nigeria from its challenges,” said Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a member of the Obidient Movement’s National Advisory Committee.
“We will not support any coalition that turns the presidential ticket into a cash-and-carry affair.”
Former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Ebonyi, Splendour Oko Eze, echoed the sentiment, dismissing suggestions that Obi should accept a vice-presidential slot.
“No one is more deserving of the presidency than Peter Obi. He redefined political engagement and mobilised millions without traditional structures. That’s leadership,” Eze said.
CID Maduabum Joins ADC, Slams PDP for ‘Moral Collapse’
In a related development, C.I.D Maduabum, former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, announced his resignation from the PDP and official defection to the ADC. In a statement, he blamed PDP’s “moral decay and betrayal” for his departure.
“The PDP is now a shadow of itself—infected by opportunism and lacking in principle. The ADC offers a credible platform for reform, unity, and people-focused governance,” Maduabum declared.
He described his switch not as mere political migration but as a “mission to restore values, merit, and youth inclusion in Nigerian politics.”
Ayiri Emami: Omo-Agege Not Leaving APC—But Warns of Internal Tensions
Reacting to speculation that former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege could defect to ADC, APC chieftain Ayiri Emami dispelled the rumours, insisting that Omo-Agege had no plans to quit the APC.
“Omo-Agege remains in the APC. But some of us will resist any attempt by new entrants to hijack the party. Unity is key, but not at the cost of our sacrifices,” Emami said.
He also blamed local APC leadership in Delta State for internal discord, citing imbalances in regional power sharing and disregard for long-time party loyalists.
Osita Okechukwu: No ADC Leader Can Inherit Buhari’s 12 Million Vote Bloc
Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VoN), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, added his voice to the ongoing realignments, declaring that no ADC aspirant can inherit the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s famed 12 million vote base.
“The northern electorate supported Buhari because of his moral compass, integrity, and decades of public service. None of the current contenders—especially in ADC—can replicate that legacy,” Okechukwu stated.
He further criticized what he called “a dangerous obsession” by some ADC hopefuls with ethnic politics, warning that attempts to exploit regional divisions could destabilize the democratic balance.
“Northern voters are sophisticated. They supported Abiola in 1993 and Tinubu in 2023. You can’t win them over with hollow symbolism or recycled rhetoric,” he said.
Monday Headline Key Takeaways:
Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai are still on course to join ADC officially after completing pending political duties in their current affiliations.
The Obidient Movement is calling for free and fair primaries, warning against monetizing the presidential ticket.
CID Maduabum’s defection to ADC marks a major loss for PDP and reflects growing discontent within the party.
Ayiri Emami defends Omo-Agege’s APC loyalty but warns of possible conflict over internal power struggles.
Osita Okechukwu insists Buhari’s political legacy is not transferable, especially to politicians without similar integrity records.
