The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the exit of two major opposition figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, from its platform as a setback, but says it will not derail its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known on Monday during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme, where he spoke openly about the recent political realignment involving some of Nigeria’s key opposition figures.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, the flag bearer of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last election, had earlier worked with the ADC as part of efforts to build a broad opposition coalition ahead of 2027. The idea was to bring together major opposition forces under one platform to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
However, both politicians have now left the ADC arrangement and aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a move they say is aimed at creating a more stable political structure ahead of the next election cycle.
Their exit has sparked fresh discussions in Nigeria’s political space, especially given their strong showing in the 2023 presidential election, where both men collectively polled over seven million votes. Many analysts had believed that a united front involving Obi and Kwankwaso could significantly reshape the 2027 contest.
Speaking on the development, Abdullahi admitted that the departure of the two political heavyweights had affected the party’s immediate plans.
“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.
He explained that while the ADC had hoped to work closely with Obi and Kwankwaso, political realities had changed, and the party remained focused on its long-term goals.
When pressed further on whether losing two high-profile politicians with strong electoral backing would weaken the party’s chances in 2027, Abdullahi said electoral success could not simply be based on past performance.
According to him, political support is dynamic, and voters do not always follow candidates across different platforms. He suggested that the strength of a political party lies not only in individual personalities but also in its structure, message, and organisation.
Abdullahi also made a personal admission, saying he was disappointed by the development.
“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.
Despite his personal feelings, he insisted that the party was not weakened beyond recovery and would continue to build its internal capacity ahead of 2027.
He further described the departure of Obi and Kwankwaso as having a mixed effect on the party.
“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.
Abdullahi also ruled out any form of hostility between the ADC and the departing politicians. He stressed that the party still respected both men and did not consider them political enemies.
“We don’t think they are our enemies. We are not going to go into a dogfight with them,” he said.
The political movement involving Obi and Kwankwaso has been one of the most closely watched developments since the 2023 general elections. Both men emerged as major challengers to the two dominant parties, gaining significant support among young voters, urban populations, and parts of the middle class.
Their combined performance in the last presidential election surprised many political observers and was widely seen as evidence of growing demand for alternatives outside the traditional political structure.
The idea of a coalition involving both figures under the ADC banner had raised expectations among some Nigerians who hoped it would lead to a stronger opposition capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
However, the alliance has now collapsed, with both politicians charting a different path.
Peter Obi, in explaining his decision to leave the ADC arrangement, pointed to what he described as persistent internal crises and legal battles within opposition platforms. He said his decisions were not driven by personal ambition or anger, but by concern over the state of Nigeria and the need for meaningful political reform.
He also compared his exit from the ADC coalition with his earlier departure from the Labour Party, suggesting a pattern of instability and litigation within opposition politics.
Obi warned that constant legal disputes and internal conflicts were being used to weaken opposition voices, adding that democracy must not become a tool used against the people.
He argued that when opposition parties are weakened or destabilised, the wider democratic system suffers because citizens are left without strong alternatives.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, who also exited the arrangement, has similarly maintained that political cooperation must be based on stability and shared direction, although he has not gone into detailed public explanations about his latest move.
The developments have once again highlighted the fragile nature of political alliances in Nigeria, especially among opposition groups that often struggle with internal disagreements, leadership disputes, and differing political strategies.
For the ADC, however, the immediate focus appears to be rebuilding and repositioning. Despite acknowledging the loss of two high-profile allies, the party insists it remains committed to its political goals and is not retreating from its ambitions.
As preparations for 2027 gradually take shape, Nigeria’s political landscape is expected to witness further movements, alliances, and possible realignments as parties and candidates position themselves for what is likely to be a highly competitive election season.