The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Peter Obi showed little concern for the party’s policy direction during his short stay, focusing instead on securing a presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi made this claim on Monday while appearing on Prime Time on Arise News. During the interview, he also addressed the recent exits of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing their departure as a challenge but not a decisive setback for the party. According to Abdullahi, the ADC had spent several months crafting a detailed manifesto outlining its stance on key national matters. However, he claimed that Obi did not participate in shaping or understanding these policies. He argued that Obi lacked familiarity with the party’s position on critical issues such as fuel subsidy reforms and national security strategy. Abdullahi suggested that this disconnect reflected a broader trend among some politicians who view parties primarily as platforms for electoral ambition rather than institutions built on ideology and governance frameworks. Abdullahi further explained that members within the ADC generally fall into three categories. The first group consists of individuals who join solely to contest elections. The second includes those determined to challenge what they describe as the poor governance of the ruling All Progressives Congress. The third group, he noted, comprises individuals genuinely committed to building a policy-driven political structure. While he did not explicitly label Obi, Abdullahi’s remarks strongly suggested that the former Anambra State governor belonged to the first category. He emphasised that anyone seeking elective office under a party platform should have a clear understanding of its principles and policy direction. Addressing concerns about the ADC’s ability to remain a strong opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, Abdullahi maintained an optimistic outlook. He acknowledged that the recent developments might temporarily affect the party’s momentum but insisted that efforts were underway to reorganise and strengthen its position. He also dismissed claims that Atiku Abubakar had emerged as the leading contender for the party’s presidential ticket. Abdullahi stressed that the ADC would not function as a vehicle for any single aspirant. He added that other notable figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, remain in contention. Obi and Kwankwaso had joined the ADC in March 2026 as part of a broader coalition aimed at challenging the APC in the next general elections. However, both politicians announced their exit on Sunday, citing internal disagreements, ongoing legal disputes, and what they described as deliberate obstacles affecting their political participation. Following their departure, both leaders aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, where they advocated for an end to litigation-driven politics in Nigeria. In his reaction, Obi stated that his decision to leave the ADC was not motivated by personal ambition but by a desire to contribute to national progress. He pointed out that recurring internal conflicts were a major concern, noting that similar challenges had been encountered during his time in the Labour Party.
The Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), Nenadi Usman, has stated that only the faction of the party under her leadership will be officially listed on the ballot for the 2027 general elections. She made this declaration on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television. According to Usman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises her as the legitimate national chairperson of the Labour Party, stressing that no other individual currently holds that recognition. Usman explained that this recognition carries significant implications for the party’s internal processes. She noted that only the leadership she heads is authorised to formally communicate with INEC regarding party activities, including the conduct of primary elections and congresses. She emphasised that any other faction, including the group led by Julius Abure, lacks the legal standing to invite INEC to observe or supervise party primaries. She further clarified that INEC’s position eliminates any uncertainty about the party’s leadership structure. According to her, the commission’s acknowledgment means that only one Labour Party can lawfully participate in the 2027 elections, and that party is the one operating under her interim leadership. Explaining the situation further, Usman said that INEC’s recognition confirms which faction represents the authentic Labour Party. She stressed that this clarity removes confusion over who has the authority to lead the party and oversee its electoral activities. The former lawmaker also used the interview to call for a shift in priorities among party members and stakeholders. She urged them to focus first on the interests of Nigeria, and secondly on the stability and unity of the Labour Party. According to her, genuine commitment to the nation and the party requires restraint and respect for institutional processes. Usman noted that her leadership has not engaged in attacks or internal hostility. She maintained that when a party official’s tenure expires, the appropriate response is for the party’s institutional organs to act, rather than allowing individuals to cling to positions. She explained that members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), along with other institutional stakeholders, convened with the party’s most senior political office holder, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. She described Governor Otti as the highest-ranking elected official within the Labour Party, making him a key figure in guiding internal resolutions. According to Usman, the NEC and other stakeholders met to address the leadership vacuum after INEC indicated that the party no longer had a recognised leadership structure. She said the group collectively agreed that a temporary leadership team was necessary to organise congresses across all levels of the party. She outlined that the proposed process involved conducting congresses beginning from the ward level, progressing through local government and state levels, and ultimately leading to a national convention. This, she said, was intended to restore full internal order and compliance with electoral regulations. Usman stated that despite these efforts, some individuals refused to participate in the process. She maintained, however, that she has chosen a peaceful approach, insisting that her role was not driven by conflict or personal rivalry. Describing her disposition, Usman said she is not inclined toward confrontation or aggressive tactics. She stressed that her actions were guided by the need to stabilise the party and ensure its readiness for future elections, rather than by any desire to engage in internal battles.
