By Erewunmi Peace

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were absent during the official unveiling of the party’s new national secretariat in Abuja on November 17, 2025.

Their absence had sparked public speculation and rumours of possible cracks within the opposition coalition, but the party insists there is no crisis.

Obi Was Out of the Country — ADC

Speaking in a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said Peter Obi was out of Nigeria on the day of the event, which made his presence impossible.

According to him, “Obi had travelled for official engagements outside the country and could not make it back in time for the inauguration.”

Atiku Had Prior Engagements

The party also confirmed that Atiku Abubakar was invited but was “engaged with other important commitments,” which prevented him from attending the launch.

ADC emphasized that neither man deliberately ignored the event, noting that both remain in communication with party leaders.

Secretariat Building Not Owned by Atiku

The new ADC secretariat, located in Abuja, had previously been used as Atiku’s campaign office in earlier elections. This led to online rumours suggesting that Atiku donated the building or still retained ownership.

However, the ADC dismissed the claim, explaining that Atiku only leased the office, and his tenancy ended long ago.

“The building is now fully under ADC’s control. There is no political attachment or hidden arrangement,” the party said.

Abdullahi insisted that the absence of Atiku and Obi should not be interpreted as a rift within the emerging opposition alliance. He stressed that the coalition remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There is absolutely no crisis. The coalition is intact, and both leaders are working with us toward 2027,” he said.

Secretariat Seen as a Strategic Step Ahead of 2027

ADC leaders described the launch of the new national secretariat as a significant milestone in building a stronger and more structured opposition force.

According to party chairman David Mark, the secretariat represents “a physical symbol of the coalition’s long-term vision” and will serve as a strategic centre for coordinating activities ahead of the next elections.

Despite ADC’s assurances, political observers note that the absence of the coalition’s two most influential figures may fuel existing rumours about internal disagreements, especially as both Atiku and Obi have not yet formally announced their presidential ambitions or confirmed their full party memberships.

For now, ADC maintains that its structures are growing and that the coalition remains united as preparations for 2027 intensify.