Abdullahi Speaks As ADC Moves Into Atiku’s Former Campaign Office

African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has dismissed suggestions that the inauguration of the party’s new national secretariat in Abuja signals any shift in opposition realignment.

Speaking at the unveiling on Monday, November 17, Abdullahi clarified that the building, previously used by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his presidential campaign, now belongs entirely to the ADC and has no political undertones.

“Atiku used to be the tenant of this building, which he used for his presidential campaign. But his tenancy has lapsed. The African Democratic Congress is now the tenant of this building. This is not an indication of anything. It has nothing to do with our movement. This is solely an ADC decision,” he said.

Abdullahi stressed that the party leadership, under Senator David Mark, remains committed to fairness and internal cohesion ahead of its February congresses.

“The ADC leadership has made it clear that the party will be fair to everyone concerned. At the root of what you call the crises in other parties is injustice and lack of fairness,” he noted.

He added that the ADC has been able to keep internal disagreements minimal, saying the party would continue to uphold the principles that united the coalition.

“For instance, the chairman promised all the legacy chairmen across the country that nobody would be sidelined. And you can see that we have kept our word because they are still there. So, if an issue comes up, we’ll deal with it,” Abdullahi said.

Addressing questions about the roles of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi within the coalition, Abdullahi said the party expects clarity now that the Anambra election has been concluded.

“You are aware that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and His Excellency Peter Obi were given until the end of the Anambra election to make a decision. Now that the election is done, we expect that everybody will come back together fully.

“At present, the status of any leadership positions has not changed from the original arrangement within the coalition and the ADC,” he stated.

Atiku, Obi Absent as ADC Unveils New National Headquarters

Notably absent from the event were Atiku and Peter Obi, two opposition figures the ADC has been courting for full membership within the coalition.

Naija News reports that the new ADC secretariat was the same building formerly used by Atiku as his PDP presidential campaign headquarters.

Speaking to party faithful, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, described the new secretariat as a physical declaration of the coalition’s ambition to reshape 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.

Mark added that the complex would function as the operational hub for generating ideas, refining strategies and grooming emerging political leaders.

“From within these walls, we shall continue to champion policies that will uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and safeguard the democratic foundations upon which our republic stands,” he stated.

Since launching its opposition coalition in July, the ADC has repeatedly urged key political figures aligned with it to resign from their party platforms and register formally with the ADC.

This directive has met resistance from several major players.

The party insists that full alignment is necessary if the opposition is to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Source: Naijanews