The African Democratic Congress has described the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as a setback, but insists it does not threaten the party’s ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time programme, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, admitted the development was a blow, but maintained that it was far from fatal.
“Is it a setback? Yes. Is it a fatal blow? No. Our objectives remain the same,” he said.
Obi and Kwankwaso, who were key figures in early talks to form a broad opposition coalition, recently defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress as part of their political repositioning for 2027.
Reacting to their departure, Abdullahi acknowledged personal disappointment but argued that electoral strength is not guaranteed by past performance. He noted that while both politicians polled millions of votes in the 2023 elections, such numbers do not automatically carry over into future contests.
He also suggested that their exit may have eased internal pressure within the party.
“In a way, it’s a relief. Now we can focus on what we need to do without the pressure they brought,” he said, adding that the party remains focused and undeterred.
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Abdullahi stressed that the ADC does not view Obi and Kwankwaso as political enemies and ruled out any form of hostility toward them.
“We are not going into any fight with them,” he added.
Obi, in explaining his decision to leave the party, cited persistent internal crises and what he described as litigation-driven politics, which he said were deliberately designed to frustrate his participation.
He warned that weakening opposition parties could undermine democracy, stressing that a healthy political system depends on balance and fair competition.
Despite the high-profile exits, the ADC says it remains committed to its long-term strategy and is confident of staying relevant in the evolving political landscape ahead of 2027.
