The African Democratic Congress has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi were absent during the inauguration of its new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party dismissed claims that Obi intentionally stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office.
The unveiling was attended by the ADC National Chairman, David Mark; National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
However, both Obi and Atiku were noticeably absent and did not release any official comment on the event.
Inaugurating the new facility, Mark described the secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s resolve to chart a new path for Nigeria’s political future.
“It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity, inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a stronger democracy,” he said.
Obi’s absence had fuelled speculation that he rejected the secretariat because of its previous ties to Atiku’s presidential campaign.
But Abdullahi dismissed the insinuation, stressing that the Labour Party presidential candidate remained committed to the coalition.
He explained that Obi was out of the country, while Atiku had other engagements on the day of the event.
He said, “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available. There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.
“Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”
Abdullahi added that there is no division within the coalition, insisting that party leaders remain united in their mission to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.