Obi Left for NDC Because He Can’t Survive Competitive Coalition — ADC Spokesman

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, left the party’s coalition arrangement because he could not thrive in a highly competitive political structure.

Abdullahi made the remark on Monday during a television interview, following Obi’s recent political realignment alongside former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to him, Obi’s movement was not sudden but the outcome of an unfolding political disagreement over how the coalition was structured and managed.

“The kind of party Peter Obi needed was the party he is now in. A party that belongs to one man, that can assure him of the ticket before he even comes in,” Abdullahi said.

He argued that the ADC coalition was designed differently, with multiple stakeholders expected to negotiate and agree on power-sharing arrangements.

“In a political coalition where a lot of negotiations must happen, where nobody is taken for granted, and where you have to carry everyone along even when they don’t get what they want, I don’t think Peter Obi can survive in such an environment,” he added.

Abdullahi further alleged that Obi’s expectations went beyond securing the party’s presidential ticket, insisting he also wanted influence over key party decisions, including the choice of running mate.

Obi had recently exited the ADC following weeks of speculation about internal tensions, while Kwankwaso also signalled alignment with the NDC after what he described as “wide-ranging consultations.”

Despite the high-profile departures, Abdullahi said the ADC was not weakened by the development.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left, but in a way, it is a relief. Now we can focus on building the party without the pressure they were putting on the system,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the ADC does not view Obi or Kwankwaso as political enemies, adding that their exit would not derail the party’s long-term plans.

“We are not going to go into a dogfight with them. They are not our enemies,” he said.

He maintained that while the departure may appear significant in the short term, it would not fundamentally alter the ADC’s political direction ahead of future elections.