ADC Clears Peter Obi and El-Rufai to Remain in Original Parties While Supporting Coalition

ADC Clears Peter Obi and El-Rufai to Remain in Original Parties While Supporting Coalition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that both former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai are free to remain in their original political parties while actively participating in the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was confirmed on Wednesday by the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement to The PUNCH.

The clarification comes amid rising speculation over whether key political figures involved in the coalition would be required to defect from their current platforms.

Abdullahi stated that both Obi and El-Rufai had formally sought permission to stay within their legacy parties—Labour Party and All Progressives Congress (APC), respectively—due to the political implications for their followers and structures.

“Absolutely! Obi is correct. This applies to himself and Nasir (El-Rufai),” Abdullahi said. “Their supporters and allies have already obtained forms to contest elections in their legacy parties. Asking them to defect now would destabilize their support base. So they were granted a concession to remain in their parties until after the election.”

This decision comes just a day after ADC’s interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, addressed party members in Abuja with a stern warning against disloyalty. Mark declared that “there will be zero tolerance for anti-party and any form of indiscipline,” insisting that members must demonstrate total commitment to the ADC.

Despite this stance, Abdullahi’s remarks highlight a strategic flexibility aimed at strengthening the broader opposition alliance without disrupting internal party dynamics.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement, which backs Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition without renouncing his Labour Party affiliation. Speaking to journalists, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s position has been clear from the onset.

“Even before the coalition talks began, our principal made it known that he remains a Labour man. He joined the coalition purely for the 2027 elections,” Tanko stated.

In a related development, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, has dismissed two widely circulated online statements that falsely claimed the former governor had rejected a return to the PDP and accepted a new leadership role in the ADC.

“Peter Obi has been unequivocal in his position. He has remained focused on his mission and will not tolerate anyone putting words in his mouth,” Ibrahim said in a statement. “Any statement not released through his official channels should be disregarded.”

The ADC currently serves as the coordinating platform for the growing opposition coalition, which is seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling APC in the next electoral cycle.