A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Ladan Salihu, has described the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the ADC as a major political development that significantly boosts the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general election.
Salihu said Obi’s entry, coming after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s declaration for the ADC, positions the party closer to winning the presidency.
Speaking during a monitored interview on Arise News, Salihu said Obi’s decision to join the ADC represents a defining moment for the party and for Nigeria’s opposition politics. He noted that the combined electoral strength of Obi and Atiku from the 2023 presidential election places the ADC in a strong position going into the next election cycle.
Salihu said that, based on the 2023 results, both politicians together accounted for about 62 to 63 per cent of the total presidential votes. According to him, this electoral arithmetic suggests that the ADC now stands in a favourable position to challenge for power at the centre. He added that the development has generated excitement across all levels of the party.
He pointed to the recent gathering in Enugu, where several prominent political figures from the South-East and other parts of the country were present, as evidence of growing momentum. Salihu mentioned that senators, former governors, and other senior political leaders attended, describing the turnout as a sign of the party’s expanding appeal and seriousness as a national opposition force.
Addressing concerns that Obi might not emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate in 2027, Salihu insisted that it was too early to focus on presidential primaries. He said the immediate priority for the party is building its structure, recruiting members, and articulating policies that can be communicated effectively to Nigerians across the country.
Reacting to comments by Professor Pat Utomi, who had warned that Obi’s supporters might disengage if he is not given the presidential ticket, Salihu said such statements were premature. He urged party members and stakeholders to remain calm and allow democratic processes to guide decision-making within the party.
Salihu stressed that no individual joining the ADC should do so with preconditions regarding candidacy. He said political parties function on the basis of internal democracy, where aspirants campaign, mobilise delegates, and present their credentials, after which delegates decide. According to him, insisting on automatic tickets undermines democratic values.
On claims by Nasiru Gombe that Obi joined the wrong faction of the ADC, Salihu dismissed the allegation, saying there is no factional leadership within the party. He described such claims as attempts to sow disunity, alleging that similar tactics have been used to weaken opposition parties in the past.
He maintained that the ADC remains a united party, adding that recent developments, including the endorsement of new leadership structures, demonstrate its cohesion. Salihu said the party would resist any attempt to divide it and would continue to consolidate as a broad coalition.
Comparing the ADC’s situation with that of other opposition parties, Salihu said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has struggled with internal crises and defections, while the Labour Party has also faced factional challenges. He expressed confidence that the ADC has the leadership depth and political experience to withstand similar pressures.
On the issue of money politics and concerns that Obi may be disadvantaged during party primaries, Salihu said the ADC is committed to fairness, equity, and adherence to its constitution. He noted that Obi himself has publicly stated that he is ready to compete on equal terms and support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, just as Atiku has made a similar commitment.
Salihu also addressed the debate over zoning the presidency between the North and South ahead of 2027. He said there is no binding consensus that power must remain in the South and argued that Nigeria’s political history does not support rigid rotational arrangements. According to him, competence and democratic choice should take precedence over regional sentiment.
He concluded by saying that the ADC is focused on building a credible alternative for Nigerians, emphasising unity, internal democracy, and a clear policy direction as the party prepares for the 2027 general election.
