“Obi Chose NDC Because He Can’t Survive in a Competitive Coalition” — Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says Peter Obi joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) because he could not operate within a coalition that demands negotiation and compromise.

Speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television on Monday, Abdullahi described Obi’s departure from the ADC as a calculated move.

“The kind of party Peter Obi needed was the party he is now. A party that belongs to one man, that can say ‘I guarantee you the ticket’ before he comes in,” Abdullahi said.

Obi, alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally joined the NDC on Sunday. Obi had earlier announced his resignation from the ADC, while Kwankwaso had signaled ongoing consultations with the party.

Abdullahi said coalition politics requires compromise among multiple stakeholders, which he believes Obi sought to avoid.

“In a political party like a coalition where a lot of negotiations need to happen, where you cannot take anybody for granted… I don’t think Peter Obi can survive in such an environment,” he said. “That is why he’s gone to NDC because NDC can promise him the ticket.”

He added that Obi was interested not only in securing the presidential ticket but also in influencing the choice of a running mate.

While expressing disappointment over the exit of both politicians, Abdullahi said their departure has eased internal tensions within the ADC.

“Personally, I’m not happy they left, but in a way, it is a bit of relief,” he said. “Now we can focus on what we need to do without being under the pressure they were putting on us.”

Abdullahi described the development as a setback but not one that threatens the party’s stability.

“We are not going to go into a dogfight with them; they are not our enemy,” he added.