The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have been granted a waiver to remain in their current political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, disclosed this in comments reported by The Punch on Wednesday.
His remarks follow a recent statement by the party’s interim national chairman, David Mark, who warned of zero tolerance for anti-party activities and indiscipline, insisting that “you are either in ADC or not in ADC.”
The clarification comes amid growing speculation over the role of influential political figures in the restructured opposition coalition, which has adopted the ADC as its flagship platform.
Abdullahi explained that the waiver was necessary to avoid disrupting the political structures already built by the two politicians within their legacy parties.
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“Absolutely. This applies to both Obi and Nasir (El-Rufai),” he said. “Their supporters and allies have obtained nomination forms to contest elections under their current platforms. Asking them to defect now would disorganise their political structures. They therefore requested a concession, and it was granted.”
Meanwhile, Obi’s camp has also responded to concerns that the ADC leadership’s earlier remarks might force him into an early defection. His media aide, Yunusa Tanko, told The Punch that Obi had always made it clear he remains a Labour Party member, adding that his involvement in the coalition is for strategic coordination ahead of 2027.
Obi’s team also issued a statement disowning two viral press releases circulating on social media—one alleging he had pledged allegiance to the ADC and another claiming he had been offered the role of National Organising Secretary in the party.
“These statements did not originate from Obi or his media office,” said his aide, Umar Ibrahim. “He has been unequivocal in his stance and will not accept anyone speaking for him to push their own agenda.”
The media office advised the public to disregard any statement not released via Obi’s official communication channels.
