Why Obi, Kwankwaso Exited ADC

Fresh details have emerged on the exit of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pointing to deep internal disagreements and strategic political calculations within the opposition coalition.
Sources revealed that Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had consistently pushed during coalition talks for the ADC’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South. His position reportedly received backing from allies of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, who had argued that selling a northern candidacy to southern voters would be difficult.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had recently joined the ADC and was said to have agreed to run as Obi’s vice-presidential candidate. However, key figures within the coalition, including ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, opposed zoning the ticket to the South.
Further complicating matters, two former presidents—alongside former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai—were said to support the Obi–Kwankwaso alliance. El-Rufai, in particular, had openly backed Obi’s presidential ambition.
In contrast, the camp of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, rejected calls for southern zoning. Initially, they proposed that Obi should run as Atiku’s running mate, but Obi declined, insisting on contesting the 2027 presidency. With Obi unwilling to step down, Atiku is reportedly considering Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, as a potential running mate.
Legal uncertainties within the ADC also heightened tensions. The party remains embroiled in a court case, with the Supreme Court ordering the maintenance of the status quo under David Mark’s leadership while referring the matter back to the Federal High Court. This lingering dispute, coupled with provisions in the new Electoral Act, created urgency and anxiety among stakeholders.
Within the coalition, divisions became more pronounced. Aregbesola’s bloc reportedly leaned toward Atiku, while El-Rufai and his allies supported Obi. Obi’s public commitment to serving only one term—potentially returning power to the North—also influenced calculations among stakeholders like Kwankwaso and El-Rufai, who harbour presidential ambitions.
Despite the internal rifts, ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted the coalition remains intact and open to all political actors, dismissing claims of collapse.
Obi Explains Exit
In a statement issued by his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, Obi attributed his departure to worsening internal crises, external interference, and what he described as a toxic political environment.
He stressed that his decision was not driven by personal grievances against party leaders, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect.
Obi lamented increasing intimidation, insecurity, and pressure faced by individuals committed to public service, adding that institutions meant to protect citizens often act otherwise. He also cited internal divisions, legal disputes, and infiltration of destabilising forces within the ADC as major concerns.
Drawing parallels with challenges he experienced in the Labour Party, Obi said the environment had become too unstable for meaningful engagement. He warned that integrity and due process are increasingly misinterpreted as weakness in Nigeria’s political space.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Obi said his focus remains on addressing insecurity, poverty, and displacement, noting that his ambition is driven by the desire to build a just society rather than merely hold office.
APC Fires Back
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised Obi’s frequent party defections, describing him as a “political drifter.”
In a statement, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of moving from one party to another in search of an easy presidential ticket, citing his political journey from APGA to PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and now the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The ruling party argued that Obi has shown little commitment to building any political platform, alleging that he prefers uncontested access to presidential tickets.