We’re concerned Obi, Atiku not working together ahead of 2027 – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is concerned that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, are not working together for the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Friday on Morning Show, a programme on Arise Television, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, acknowledged the party’s concerns when asked about the lack of collaboration between Obi and Abubakar ahead of 2027.

“I may not describe the situation in such superlative terms to say that it’s the greatest threat to democracy at the moment. But is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC spokesperson also noted that the party is not discussing the presidential ticket now but is focused on strengthening its nationwide structures.

“Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidates will be,” he said.

“We have so much work to do — to establish our real presence and be in a position to contest elections in all 36 states and the FCT.

“We have also tried to maintain that it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. Nobody in the ADC at this time is discussing who the presidential candidates will be.

“So, we have so much work to do – to establish our presence, real presence; to be in a position to contest elections in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

“So, this has preoccupied us in the last couple of months, but we know that it is an issue we have to deal with. The most important thing is that at this time, when we get to that point, we try to engineer a consensus – a consensus which is an option for us, but if we are not able to reach a consensus, then we’ll possibly just open it up for everyone to contest.

“And it’s not just about Atiku and Peter Obi; there are other people who are also interested in contesting the presidential race.

“You know, so, we have to make allowance for that. It’s not a central case between Atiku and Peter Obi.

“I agree with you; it’s an option. But there are also other options that we are looking at, even within the other political parties that we are also having conversations about how to build a formidable coalition to see what is possible.”

Early this month, Obi said the ADC coalition is falteringbecause it has yet to settle questions on zoning and the rotation of key offices.

While Obi has yet to formally register as a member of the party, Atiku Abubakar has picked up his membership card.

Abdullahi had urged Obi to make a decision on joining the party, saying the ADC is not yet at the stage of adopting zoning. (The Cable)