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• The African Democratic Congress has addressed public speculation surrounding the absence of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, were absent during the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on November 17.

Their absence had triggered speculation, with some reports suggesting that Obi deliberately stayed away because the building previously served as Atiku’s campaign office. However, the party dismissed the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

The event was attended by the ADC National Chairman, David Mark; the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Both Obi and Atiku did not issue any formal statement regarding their absence.

Mark described the new secretariat as a bold statement of the coalition’s intention to influence 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.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding Obi’s absence, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the speculation was misplaced. He explained that Obi was out of the country at the time, while Atiku had other engagements. “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available,” he said.

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Abdullahi also dismissed claims that the secretariat’s history had caused friction within the coalition. “There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us. Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”

He maintained that the coalition remained united in its broader goal of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, rejected claims that Obi was preparing to leave the coalition. Tanko said Obi was only taking time to make the “right decision” before announcing his next political move. “No, Obi is not abandoning the ADC coalition. I don’t know where that speculation is coming from. He will make a statement soon because he needs to get it right now that a lot of people are showing interest in him,” he said.

Tanko emphasised that Obi remained intentional about his political future and was unwilling to be boxed into any arrangement. “He doesn’t want to be in a place where he will feel trapped. So he needs to be extremely careful where he gets his ticket. Our hope is that since the presidency is the turn of a southern candidate, the ADC will be looking to give him the ticket.”

According to him, Obi’s timeline remained unchanged. “Already, he said he would make his intention known after the Anambra election. And he will do it at the appropriate time. He shouldn’t be pressured,” he added.

Nigerian former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said he will defect to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, tomorrow in his Jada home town, Jada Local Government area of Adamawa state.

Atiku revealed this while inspecting an ADC office opened by Frontier movement for his political campaign across the 774 Local Government areas of Nigeria in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government area of Adamawa state.

According to him all this while he has not been an ADC member formally, but his registration to the party tomorrow that will confirm him a bonafide member of the party.

He said the Chairman of the party in the state, Comrade Shehu Yohanna and others will accompany him to his ward in Jada to have his registration done in the ADC party.

Atiku made the revelation in the ADC frontier movement registered with CAC in 2003 said Nigeria needs a new movement and a new Party to salvage the country in the verge of collapse.

“I will this while I have not been a member of the ADC, but God’s willing tomorrow (Monday) I will formally join the party.” He said

The national coordinator of the group, Arch Adamu Hussyne said the frontier movement is well prepared to give Atiku a winning support across the thirty six States of the nation and the FCT inclusive.

The Wazirin Adamawa has been in Yola for his yearly meeting with the official meetings and engagement with AUN officials and the school commencement day.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country.

A statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said Tinubu directed that the officers be redeployed to core policing duties in communities.

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