Eshioromeh Sebastian
The African Democratic Congress has drawn a firm line in negotiations with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, stating that the contentious issue of zoning the presidential ticket is not currently up for discussion.
The ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, at the weekend declared that the issue of zoning is not on the table, rather the party is focused on its programmes for Nigerians.
“We’re not talking about zoning or no zoning now. Nigerians are still waiting for us to tell them what we will do differently. So, zoning or no zoning is not on the table now. If that is the condition for Obi to join us, maybe he should wait till that time”, Abdullah said in an interview with PUNCH.
This declaration followed Peter Obi’s recent reservations about the stability of the ADC-led coalition. Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, had during an interview on YouTube with ‘Advocacy for Good Governance’ reportedly expressed concerns over unresolved issues, including the zoning arrangement for the 2027 election.
Despite his criticisms, Obi expressed confidence in the coalition’s leadership, naming figures like former Senate President David Mark and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He also stated he was not driven by personal ambition but by national progress. However, in a twist, the Peter Obi Media Office later issued a statement claiming Obi never granted the interview, with his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, asserting that Obi had confidence in the ADC.
Undeterred by the denial, Abdullahi pressed the ADC’s position, framing it as an ultimatum for the influential politician. “I understand what Peter has been saying. But I will encourage him to make up his mind if he wants to be part of the coalition or not. Because the most important thing for us is how we can convince Nigerians that we represent the credible alternative, and this is without prejudice to where the candidate will come from,” Abdullahi said.
He reiterated the party’s desire for Obi’s membership but on their terms. “For us, we want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics and provide a credible alternative to Nigerians. When we get to that point of deciding what he considers to be his priority, then we will take that decision. But if that is the condition on which he is going to continue to be part of the coalition or make up his mind about the coalition, he should probably wait until we get to that point and make that decision. But we will encourage him to make up his mind to join the party now.”
Obi’s hesitation to fully commit to the ADC is part of his complex political moves. While he has aligned himself with the ADC-led coalition as a strategic partnership for 2027, he remains officially a member of the Labour Party and is engaged in a separate, intense internal struggle for its soul.
The Labour Party is currently under the firm control of its National Chairman, Julius Abure, whose leadership faction is at odds with the faction loyal to Obi and the “Obidient” movement. This internal battle for control has paralyzed the party, making it an unreliable vehicle for Obi’s ambitions and pushing him to seek a more stable platform like the ADC coalition.
Discussion about this post