The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi were absent from the unveiling of its new national secretariat on November 17 in Abuja.

The party dismissed claims that Obi avoided the event because the building had previously served as Atiku’s 2023 campaign office.

While several prominent figures attended the ceremony—including ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai—both Obi and Atiku were notably absent and issued no public statements.

Speaking at the event, Mark described the new secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s broader ambition to reshape Nigeria’s governance landscape.

“It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity, inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a stronger democracy,” he said.

Addressing the speculation, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi told Punch that Obi’s absence was not politically motivated, affirming the former presidential candidate’s continued commitment to the coalition.

Abdullahi explained, “The programme was impromptu; most party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available. There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.”

ADC, Obi Supporters Debunk Rumours Amid Secretariat Speculation

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi has dismissed claims linking the party’s new national secretariat to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building,” Abdullahi clarified.

He further stressed that there is “no rift whatsoever” among coalition leaders, emphasizing that the alliance remains united and focused on defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Obi Taking Time to Decide, Says Obidient Movement

Yunusa Tanko, former spokesman of the Obi-Datti Campaign and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, also dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi is leaving the ADC coalition.

“No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from,” Tanko said, explaining that Obi is carefully considering his next political move.

“He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. He needs to be extremely cautious about where he gets his ticket,” he noted.

Tanko added that with increasing interest from Nigerians in Obi, he must “get it right” before making a formal announcement.

“Our hope is that, since the presidency is expected to go to a southern candidate, the ADC will consider giving him the ticket,” he said.

Obi has previously indicated that he would announce his decision after the Anambra governorship election, and Tanko confirmed that this timeline remains unchanged.

“He will make his intention known at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he concluded.