“Obi joining ADC is a blockbuster; we’re closer to Aso Rock” — Ladan Salihu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Ladan Salihu, has said the decision of Peter Obi to join the party has significantly strengthened its prospects ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the move as a major turning point for the opposition.

Speaking in an interview monitored on Arise News, Salihu said Obi’s entry, coming after Atiku Abubakar’s declaration for the ADC, has repositioned the party as a serious contender for power.

According to him, the combined vote share of Obi and Atiku in the 2023 presidential election places the ADC in a strong competitive position. “When you look at the numbers from the last election, both candidates together accounted for over 60 per cent of the votes. That reality changes the political equation,” he said.

Salihu said the mood within the party has been upbeat since Obi’s formal engagement with ADC leaders, noting that the event in Enugu attracted key political figures from the South-East, including serving and former lawmakers and ex-governors. He added that the party would soon begin a nationwide effort to present its policy direction and programme to Nigerians.

On concerns that Obi must be guaranteed the party’s presidential ticket to retain the support of his followers, Salihu dismissed such claims, insisting that the ADC would operate an open and competitive process.

“No one joins a political party with conditions. All aspirants, including Atiku, Obi and others, will contest on equal terms. Delegates will decide,” he said.

He also criticised comments by Professor Pat Utomi suggesting that Obi’s supporters might disengage if he is not nominated, saying it was too early to focus on presidential primaries. Salihu argued that the party’s immediate task is to build structure, expand membership and consolidate its role as a unified opposition platform.

Responding to claims by Nasiru Gombe that Obi joined a faction of the ADC, Salihu rejected the assertion, saying there is no factional division within the party. He described the claim as an attempt to create confusion and weaken opposition parties, adding that the ADC remains a single, united organisation.

Salihu expressed confidence that the party would resist the internal crises that have affected other opposition parties, citing the experience and political depth of ADC leaders across the country. He said the party was prepared to withstand pressure and external interference.

On the issue of zoning and whether the presidency should remain in the South beyond 2027, Salihu said the matter remains open to debate. He recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner, was defeated in 2015 despite seeking a second term, arguing that rigid rotation arrangements are neither constitutional nor sustainable.

“The constitution does not support automatic entitlement based on geography. What matters is credibility, capacity and the will of the electorate,” he said.

Salihu concluded that the ADC is focused on building a broad coalition anchored on internal democracy, equity and adherence to party rules, adding that the goal is to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.