Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the opposition coalition under the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), has affirmed that Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has been involved with the coalition from the outset.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs program on Channels Television, Abdullahi stated: “Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one. He has attended almost every meeting of the coalition.”
He clarified that although Obi has not officially joined the ADC, this was a deliberate decision to allow him to complete his political commitments within the Labour Party.
“The reason Peter Obi has not come into the ADC as a card-carrying member is that he sought permission to remain in the Labour Party until the conclusion of elections involving his supporters,” Abdullahi explained.
“The same consideration was given to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Both were allowed by the coalition leadership to finish what they had started in their respective parties before transitioning fully into the ADC.”
Speculation over Obi’s return to the PDP
On Monday, former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, suggested that Obi may return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Obi, who was the LP presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, previously ran as PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019.
Sheriff pointed out that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—also a member of the opposition coalition—is expected to run again in 2027, but argued that Obi’s ambition remains strong.
“Atiku has been Vice President. For him, it’s the presidency or nothing. Peter Obi wants to be President. From the information I have, Obi could return to the PDP any moment from now and seek the presidential ticket,” he said.
ADC not built around any politician
Despite the presence of several political heavyweights in the coalition, Abdullahi dismissed claims that the ADC platform was created to advance the presidential ambition of any single individual, including Atiku.
“Peter Obi is a committed member of the coalition, and I can say categorically this is not an Atiku coalition,” he said.
“The ADC is not built on any individual’s ambition. What we are building is much bigger than anyone. I am 56, who says I don’t want to be President?”
The coalition, which adopted the ADC as its official platform on July 1, includes influential political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The group has vowed to present a united front to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
