ADC Fires Back: Obi Nominated As Organising Secretary Before ‘Premeditated’ Defection

Speaking on Arise News Prime Time on Monday night, Abdullahi described the ADC as a party with a defined ideology and structure capable of providing Nigerians with credible political alternatives. However, he argued that some politicians were only interested in using the platform as a vehicle to advance their personal ambitions.

He stated that despite challenges, the party had remained resilient and focused on its mission. According to him, ADC members had consistently defended the party against external pressures while working towards offering better governance options.

Abdullahi questioned the timing of the defections, recalling that Obi had previously warned during coalition talks that presenting multiple opposition candidates against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would weaken their chances. He asked what had changed since then.

He dismissed suggestions that legal disputes within the party influenced their decision to leave, noting that the ADC currently faces only a few minor court cases, which he said were not significant enough to justify such a move.

Abdullahi also revealed that Obi had been given considerable concessions within the party, including the opportunity to nominate the National Organising Secretary—an influential role responsible for managing key party operations such as congresses and elections.

He rejected claims that the party was biased toward any particular candidate, insisting that Obi had participated actively in meetings and had not previously raised concerns about unfair treatment. According to him, Obi had made it clear from the outset that his participation depended on zoning arrangements.

Using a metaphor, Abdullahi suggested that people sometimes give different reasons when they decide to leave a situation, even when the decision had already been made.

While acknowledging that politicians have the freedom to join any party, he urged those leaving to avoid offering what he described as weak justifications.

Abdullahi further hinted that the defection may have been in motion for some time, referencing a meeting held in Kano two months earlier involving Obi, Kwankwaso, and Seriake Dickson. He said the meeting raised questions about possible political realignments and whether there were efforts to reshape the opposition landscape.

According to him, the developments suggest that both Obi and Kwankwaso had already been considering alternative platforms before their eventual exit from the ADC.