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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the exits of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as a setback, but insisted it does not undermine the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, acknowledged that their departure was a loss, but said it would not derail the party’s objectives, which he noted remain unchanged.
“Is it a setback? The answer is yes. Is it a fatal blow? The answer is no, because the objectives are very clear. They are still the same,” he said.
Obi and Kwankwaso had briefly aligned with the ADC as part of efforts to build a broad opposition coalition before both moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress on Sunday.
Abdullahi said that while the party would have preferred their continued involvement, past electoral performance does not necessarily translate into future outcomes.
He admitted personal disappointment over their exit but added that it had also eased internal pressure within the party, allowing it to refocus on its core agenda without external strain.
“Personally, I’m not happy they left. And I cannot tell you why, because I have my own sentiments. I’m not happy they left,” he said.
“In a way, it’s a bit of relief. Now we can focus on really doing what we need to do without being under the pressure cooker that they were trying to put us in. I am not disheartened. No, no, not at all,” he added.
The ADC spokesman further stressed that the party does not view Obi and Kwankwaso as adversaries and has no intention of engaging in political confrontation with them.
“We don’t think they are our enemies. We are not going to go into a dogfight with them,” he said.
Obi, in explaining his decision to leave, cited persistent internal disputes and legal battles, which he said were distracting from the party’s broader mission and limiting meaningful political engagement.
He said his decision followed careful reflection on the country’s situation, adding that his political moves are driven by the need to contribute to national recovery rather than personal ambition.
Obi also warned against weakening opposition parties through internal crises and litigation, arguing that such developments could undermine democratic balance and ultimately harm citizens.
