Politics

‘Atiku Has Refused To Join, Peter Obi Also Has Refused To Join’ – ADC Worries

Published

2 months ago

August 24, 2025

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), with the 2027 general elections drawing closer, is grappling with internal uncertainty as the anticipated membership of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, remains stalled.

Sunday Punch gathered from credible sources within the coalition that the delay by both men and other political heavyweights in formally joining the party has left its future direction unclear.

According to insiders, the ADC’s struggle is further compounded by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s delay in recognising Senator David Mark’s leadership of the party, as well as ongoing legal disputes and financial constraints.

One source stated that the refusal of Atiku, Obi, and other prominent leaders to fully join is slowing down the momentum, adding that the unresolved leadership issues and financial pressure have left the party struggling to gain traction.

However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed suggestions of uncertainty.

On March 20, opposition figures launched a coalition in Abuja, announcing the ADC as their adopted platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Weeks later, on July 1, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and others publicly pledged support for the coalition at a high-level meeting in Abuja.

Under the arrangement, Senator David Mark was named interim National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was appointed as National Secretary.

Despite the declarations, sources confirmed that formal membership has remained thin.

Atiku, who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party over a month ago, has yet to register with the ADC or join another platform. Similarly, Obi has withheld membership, even as the Labour Party continues to struggle with internal crises.

A party source who spoke with Punch stated, “So, members of the party, especially the NWC members, are seriously worried and concerned that Atiku, Obi, and quite a lot of Nigerians, especially politicians they expected would have joined the ADC, are yet to join. This is affecting the momentum the party is supposed to gather.

“Since he left the PDP, Atiku has been partyless, and he has also refused to join the ADC. Peter Obi has also refused to join. As this continues, a lot of Nigerians are not even encouraged to also join the party, so to speak.

“Right now, within the coalition, everybody is still trying to study and understand, then come to an understanding of whether the whole thing is going to work or not. But one thing is certain: all of us want to push the current government led by APC out of power. But is this arrangement going to work? There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding it.

“If these people had joined the party, perhaps by now more Nigerians would have trooped into the party and the momentum would already have started building ahead of the 2027 elections. For now, everything is just quiet within the party, even though David Mark’s leadership is struggling to ensure that the party takes shape. But there are a lot of challenges, especially with regards to these key figures not joining.

“It is really affecting the party because if they join, more resources will come, more members will come, and we will be able to play our real role as opposition leaders holding the government accountable and selling the party to Nigerians. But for now, that is what it is.”

Another coalition leader disclosed that the absence of INEC’s recognition of Mark’s leadership, along with a few pending litigations, had hindered the party’s growth.

The source stated, “The ADC still remains a formidable party to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. It is our party; it is the coalition party adopted by many Nigerians. The challenges we have now are just that INEC has not fully recognised the leadership of David Mark, and that is stalling some of our processes. We know that the government of the day is sponsoring some people to go to court to challenge us, and that is also an issue, but we know we will overcome all these things.

“For Atiku and Obi, yes, their membership is important. Both of them and some others are yet to join the ADC as a coalition party, but we expect them to do so as soon as possible, and their late membership is of concern too. This is affecting the party in a way because those who ordinarily would have joined the ADC because of these leaders are also yet to do so.

“Of course resources, the calibre of people you have will determine the resources that will be available to the party for it to carry out its activities and, of course, maintain its structures across Nigeria. All these things are a factors. But of course, the party is waxing stronger by the day, and with time, we hope that it will get better. Nigerians are already trooping into the party as their only alternative to the failed All Progressives Congress.”

When contacted, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said the former Vice President remained committed to the coalition.

Ibe told Punch that Atiku had begun the process of becoming a member of the ADC.

He stated, “Atiku is not contemplating leaving the coalition. It is propaganda for anyone to say so. The party is being organised across the country. The party is being planted in different parts of the country, and registration is ongoing.

“About His Excellency’s membership, he will do that at the right time. It’s a process that is in place. Registration is one of the steps. It’s a process, and it is ongoing.

“He remains committed to the coalition arrangement. Nigerians are behind the coalition, and all the leaders will work together to rescue Nigeria.”

Speaking with Sunday Punch, the ADC National Publicity Secretary affirmed that Atiku, Obi, and other key figures were with the party, stressing that the coalition remained on track.

Abdullahi stated, “We are not disturbed over Atiku and Obi’s delayed membership. Nothing has changed; both of them are very much with the coalition. We don’t have any concerns. Anyone that’s telling you we are disturbed is a liar; we are not disturbed at all.

“Have you heard otherwise from them? You should ask them too. Ask them if they are not with us. You know they are fully with us.

“Everything is on track. There is always time for everything. It’s not everything you do in a party that is in the public domain. The organ of the party that should be visible is the organ of the party that is visible at the moment.

“We have the February FCT election to prepare for. We are setting up our structures across the country. I just came back from Kwara. If you look across the country, people are busy. We are trying to build up the party in the states.”

On INEC and funding, the spokesman explained that the party had completed its documentation with the electoral body and was managing its activities with the resources at its disposal.

He stated, “We have completed all documentation with INEC. Everything that we need to do now, we are able to do. We don’t have any financial problems. Everything we need to do, we are able to do. Don’t forget we are not a ruling party, so we don’t have access to the government. But we are doing fine financially and otherwise.”

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Politics

Wike says PDP may fall apart because governors sideline him

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has slammed governors of the Peoples Democratic Party for sidelining him in major party decisions, warning that such exclusionary practices could threaten the party’s survival.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike expressed frustration over being left out of key consultations despite his long-standing influence and role within the PDP.

He said, “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

The minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

He added, “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

Wike further criticised the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it the APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?” he queried.

Speaking on the party’s planned national convention, Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno. The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

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Politics

PICTURES: Protest rocks APC headquarters over Kayode Ojo’s Ekiti primary exclusion

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

A protest erupted at the All Progressives Congress National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, as party members from Ekiti State voiced outrage over the exclusion of Kayode Ojo from the upcoming governorship primary.

The APC National Working Committee had, a few weeks ago, disqualified Ojo from participating in the October 27 primary in Ekiti State, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to emerge as the consensus candidate.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Ekiti State governorship election for July 20, 2026.

The protesters, mainly women, chanted slogans such as “Ekiti says No to Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” “No to Consensus,” and “Yes to Kayode Ojo.”

They carried placards with inscriptions including “We Say No to Kayode Ojo’s Disqualification,” “We Don’t Want Consensus,” “Ekiti Women Reject BAO,” “We Reject BAO,” and “APC Must Let Ekiti People Choose Their Candidate.”

Subsequently, in a statement issued on October 14 by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC announced that it had adopted a consensus candidate for the primary following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

Leader of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy, addressing the press in Abuja on Friday during a protest against the disqualification of Kayode Ojo from the forthcoming APC Ekiti governorship primary.
Photo Credit: Abdulrahman Zakariyau

On behalf of the protesters, Abereniola Mercy expressed that the people of Ekiti believe Ojo is the best candidate for the governorship position.

She stated, “We have gathered here today because the people of Ekiti State firmly believe that Kayode Ojo is the right man to lead us as our next governor. Across towns and communities, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination among our people. They are not only ready to vote for him but are also prepared to work tirelessly to ensure his victory in the forthcoming election.

“Our presence here is to draw the attention of the party leadership to the challenges and frustrations we are experiencing in Ekiti State. We reject Ojo’s disqualification and demand his reinstatement to enable him to participate in the APC primary.We want them to understand that the people have made their choice, and that choice is Kayode Ojo. He is a man of integrity, humility, and competence someone who genuinely cares about the development of our state and the welfare of its citizens.

“We are appealing to our great party not to impose any consensus arrangement on us. What we desire is a fair, transparent, and credible primary election where every delegate will have the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate. Consensus should not be forced upon the people when they are united in their choice.

“Therefore, we call on the national leadership of our party to respect the democratic will of Ekiti people. Give us the chance to decide through the ballot, because we are fully ready to stand behind Kayode Ojo as our next governor in 2026.”

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Politics

2027: Jonathan Under Pressure To Drop Presidential Ambition

Published

9 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Fresh pressure is mounting on former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to abandon his speculated plan to contest the presidency in 2027, as Niger Delta leaders intensify efforts to rally him behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Findings by Punch revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the regional campaign urging Jonathan to drop his alleged ambition and support Tinubu.

Recall that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Joshua Maciver, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Bayelsa’s Ogbia Local Government Area on October 16.

According to sources, the meeting lasted several hours and marked Tompolo’s first public political appearance in almost a decade.

While earlier reports suggested the discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that the meeting was primarily political.

A source close to Jonathan confirmed to Punch that the ex-president and Tompolo’s team indeed met, with conversations focused on persuading Jonathan to back Tinubu in 2027.

The source said, “It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university he approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So everyone feels we should back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support President Tinubu.”

Pressed on whether Jonathan was nursing a presidential ambition, the associate added, “Yes, he was considering it.”

A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated this, describing the visit as historic.

“It was the first time in a decade that Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.

Tompolo, who has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded to him during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tompolo also leads a grassroots political structure known as the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.

Further details from sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Tompolo told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans was not in favour of his rumoured ambition to return to power.

One source said, “Tompolo was very frank with him. He told the former President that his people were no longer disposed to supporting him for another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”

The source added that Tompolo advised Jonathan to learn from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who have both aligned themselves with the movement for Tinubu’s re-election.

The source further stated, “Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were indicators that the region was moving in that direction.”

Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo urged Jonathan not to be swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would not get the needed “home support.”

The source stated, “He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far.

“Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”

The ex-militant leader reportedly told Jonathan that he didn’t need to defect to the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a statesman and use his influence to deliver the region to the President in 2027.

According to one of the sources, Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider Tompolo’s advice carefully.

The source said, “President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions. He promised to review the counsel and make his decision known in due course.”

While Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters that the visit focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

Jonathan said, “Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”

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