Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - The African Democratic Congress on Monday inaugurated its new national secretariat in Abuja with notable opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, both of whom the ADC has been courting for full membership, absent from the event.
According to Punch, the new secretariat, was formerly the
building used by Atiku for his presidential campaign in the build-up to the
last election, where he ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking at the unveiling, ADC National Publicity Secretary,
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed speculation that the event signalled any
shift in opposition realignment.
“Atiku used to be the tenant of this building, which he used
for his presidential campaign. But his tenancy has lapsed. The African
Democratic Congress is now the tenant of this building.
“This is not an indication of anything. It has nothing to do
with our movement. This is solely an ADC decision,” he said.
He said the party remained committed to fairness and
internal cohesion ahead of its February congresses.
“The ADC leadership, under the chairmanship of David Mark,
has made it clear that the party will be fair to everyone concerned. At the
root of what you call their crises (other parties) is injustice and lack of
fairness.
“We are glad that we have kept disagreements and conflicts
with our party relatively low. So, it’s not going to be business as
usual. We believe that as long as we continue to play by those principles that
brought us here in the coalition, even when problems arise, we can deal with
them.
“For instance, the chairman promised all the legacy chairmen
across the country that nobody is going to throw them away. And you can see
that we have kept our word because they are still there. So, if an issue comes
up, we’ll deal with it,” he said.
Abdullahi also addressed questions over the status of former
Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi within the coalition.
“You are aware that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and His
Excellency Peter Obi have been given till the end of the Anambra election. Now,
the election is done, so we expect that everybody will now come back together
fully.
“Now, the position of any of these leadership positions has
not changed from the original position in the coalition and part of the ADC,”
he told reporters.
The ADC has been pushing to get all affiliates of the
coalition to formally resign from their parties and register fully with the
ADC, a directive that has been met with resistance from some key figures.
In September Obi vowed to clarify
his stance on joining the ADC only after the November 8 Anambra governorship
election.
Addressing party faithful at the office unveiling, ADC
National Chairman, Senator David Mark, also described the new headquarters as a
symbol of the coalition’s ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political future.
“It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to
build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity
inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a
stronger democracy,” he said.
Mark added that the office would serve as the operational
nerve centre for shaping strategies, refining ideas and grooming future
leaders.
“From within these walls, we shall continue to champion
policies that will uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and safeguard
the democratic foundations upon which our republic stands,” he stated
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