The African Democratic Congress has urged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to decide on the possibility of joining their party.
The party emphasized that while Obi is a significant political figure essential to their coalition, they would not pressure the former governor of Anambra State to join.
During a YouTube interview with ‘Advocacy for Good Governance’ on Wednesday, Obi remarked that the coalition led by the ADC was facing instability due to unresolved matters, including the zoning arrangement.
The presidential aspirant expressed his belief in the coalition, despite his affiliation with the Labour Party, and encouraged the ADC to address certain “fundamentals” necessary for establishing a credible alliance in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Despite his concerns, Obi conveyed his trust in the caliber of leaders within the coalition, which includes former Senate President David Mark and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
When questioned about his commitment to the coalition should he not be selected as its presidential candidate, Obi stated that his motivations were not rooted in personal ambition but rather in a commitment to national advancement.
However, the Peter Obi Media Office clarified that Obi did not participate in the interview.
His media aide, Ibrahim Umar, released a statement on Friday affirming Obi’s confidence in the ADC.
Conversely, Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the ADC, stated in an interview with reporters on Sunday that the party was not inclined to follow Obi’s proposed zoning approach.
He asserted that the party’s primary focus was to demonstrate to Nigerians that it represents a credible alternative.
“We’re not talking about zoning or no zoning now. Nigerians are still waiting for us to tell them what we will do differently. So, zoning or no zoning is not on the table now. If that is the condition for Obi to join us, maybe he should wait till that time.
“I understand what Peter has been saying. But I will encourage him to make up his mind if he wants to be part of the coalition or not. Because the most important thing for us is how we can convince Nigerians that we represent the credible alternative, and this is without prejudice to where the candidate will come from,” he said.
The ADC spokesperson said the party wanted Obi and encouraged him to be part of the coalition.
Abdullahi said, “For us, we want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics and provide a credible alternative to Nigerians. When we get to that point of deciding what he considers to be his priority, then we will take that decision.
“But if that is the condition on which he is going to continue to be part of the coalition or make up his mind about the coalition, he should probably wait until we get to that point and make that decision. But we will encourage him to make up his mind to join the party now. For us, we have other priorities, which include developing our party. We are making progress in that regard.”
He decried the use of the word “unstable” to describe the coalition, saying that the ADC was stable and spreading across the country.
The spokesperson said, “It’s unfortunate that he (Obi) used a word like unstable, because instability is not contingent on whether we are able to make certain decisions on zoning at this point or not. We are stable. Within five months, we have offices in 27 or 28 states as of last count without a single political officeholder. That’s a major achievement.
“We would like to see Peter Obi go to Anambra and support efforts to build the party like other leaders have done in their respective states. The party will continue to encourage him. We want him to be part of our journey. We want him to be part of building the party.”
Nevertheless, Yunusa Tanko, who previously served as Obi’s campaign spokesman and is the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, called on the ADC to allow the former governor of Anambra more time for discussions.
In response to Abdullahi’s statement, Tanko emphasized that Obi must engage in “extensive consultation with his constituency” prior to making any decisions regarding his future political actions.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Tanko remarked, “Obi must undertake extensive consultation with his constituency, which encompasses the Obidient Movement Worldwide. They have a strong belief in him and in any choices he may make.
“Obi is also consulting with stakeholders across the world so that he will not be confined to a situation where he starts making arrangements to contest at the last minute.
“I want to appeal to them to give him ample time so he doesn’t make a mistake. The stakes are high as many believe in him. He needs to reach out to all his constituency. My appeal to the ADC and others waiting on him is to understand his position and wait for him to make a decision on his political future ahead of 2027.”
Tanko also indicated Obi’s desire to participate in the ballot in 2027, emphasizing that the North should postpone until 2031.
He stated that the ruling party could secure victory in the 2027 presidential election if the ADC modified the zoning arrangement.
“In the ADC, Obi always sees Atiku and others as brothers. But as of today, Obi is a member of the LP. Again, by general consensus of the Nigerian people, the presidency has been zoned to the South. The North should wait till 2031.
“We cannot tilt the position of the Nigerian people on the altar of political patronage. Otherwise, 2027 will just be a walk in the park for the ruling party.
“But by the grace of God, Obi will definitely be on the ballot for 2027. He has promised to disclose his position soon. Although I can’t promise you whether this year or not, he will soon speak on this.
“We thank the Nigerian people for their patience. This is a very delicate decision to make, but it is one we have to take for the survival of democracy in the country. Of course, we are aware there are serious attempts to stop and deny him the ticket,” he added.
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