The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed rumours suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cannot contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking on Monday, the interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that Obi remains a crucial member of the opposition coalition and enjoys a “special concession” that permits him to retain his LP membership for now.
Speculations had emerged that Obi would be barred from the ADC primary race unless he resigned from the LP, especially after key figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi left their former parties to join the coalition.
Abdullahi explained that Obi and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai were granted waivers due to their strong political bases. “Peter Obi is part of the Coalition. He and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai were given special concessions because their followers already hold tickets to contest elections,” Abdullahi told Nigerian Tribune.
He added that Obi’s loyalists are contesting the upcoming Anambra governorship election under the LP, while El-Rufai’s supporters are vying in federal constituency bye-elections under the SDP. Both are expected to fully join the ADC after these elections.
