The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has characterized the departure of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as a “relief” that allows the party to move forward without external pressure, despite admitting the move is a strategic setback.

 

 

Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, spoke on Monday night during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time, stating that while the development is disappointing, it is by no means a “fatal blow” to the party’s 2027 electoral ambitions.

 

 

 

Abdullahi noted that while Obi and Kwankwaso brought significant numbers from the previous election cycle, those figures do not guarantee future success. He explained that the exits have effectively depressurized the party environment, saying, “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.” He emphasized that the ADC does not view the duo as enemies and will avoid a “dogfight,” maintaining that they are still viewed as allies in the broader political landscape.

 

 

 

Peter Obi, who has moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside Kwankwaso, justified his exit by alleging that “unnamed forces” were engineering internal crises and legal battles specifically designed to frustrate his ambitions.

 

 

 

He likened the situation to his previous departure from the Labour Party, asserting that his decisions are motivated by concerns for the country rather than personal anger.

 

 

Obi warned that persistent litigation and orchestrated crises are being used as tools to suppress the democratic process and edge him out of the political space, stressing that “citizens suffer when democratic balance is lost.”