ADC Clarifies Absence of Atiku, Obi at Secretariat Unveiling

NEWSMEN — The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has given fresh clarification on why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were missing at the unveiling of the party’s new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17.

In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party dismissed circulating claims that Obi deliberately stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office.

At the event, key figures of the coalition such as National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai were present, while both Atiku and Obi neither attended nor issued a public comment.

During the inauguration, Mark described the new secretariat as a symbol of the coalition’s determination to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape and strengthen democratic values. He said the facility represents a shared commitment to nation-building and responsive leadership.

Public speculation had linked Obi’s absence to alleged dissatisfaction with the choice of building, prompting questions about unity within the coalition.

Abdullahi, however, rejected the claims, stressing that Obi remained fully aligned with the coalition’s mission. He explained that Obi was out of the country at the time, while Atiku had other pre-scheduled engagements.

He also clarified issues regarding ownership of the building, noting that Atiku had only leased it during his campaign period and that his tenancy had ended before the ADC took possession.

According to Abdullahi, no division exists within the leadership, and the coalition remains focused on its goal to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.