No VIP Pass For Obi, El-Rufai – ADC Reveals Why They Won’t Beg Political Heavyweights To Join

This announcement came after a firm declaration by ADC National Chairman, David Mark, who warned against anti-party conduct and emphasized strict party discipline. Addressing party members in Abuja, Mark stated, “There will be zero tolerance for anti-party activities and any form of indiscipline. You’re either with ADC or not—there’s no sitting on the fence.”

However, in a Wednesday interview with Punch, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that both Obi and El-Rufai have been granted waivers to remain in their respective parties for now.

He said, “This exception was made for Obi and El-Rufai because their supporters have already purchased nomination forms under their current party structures. Asking them to defect now could destabilize those existing platforms. As such, they were granted a temporary concession.”

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, also commented on the development, reaffirming that Obi has consistently maintained his loyalty to the Labour Party.

“Before the coalition talks began, Obi made it clear that he remains a member of the Labour Party. His involvement in the coalition is with an eye on the 2027 elections. Nothing has changed from that stance,” Tanko emphasized.