The African Democratic Congress has explained the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, at the unveiling of its new secretariat in Abuja on November 17.
The party dismissed reports suggesting that Obi snubbed the leadership because the secretariat was formerly Atiku’s campaign office.
While the ADC National Chairman, David Mark; the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, attended the unveiling, both Obi and Atiku were absent and did not issue any formal statement.
Mark described the new secretariat as a reflection 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.
Obi’s absence had been widely interpreted as a rejection of the secretariat because of its previous link to Atiku. But the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the insinuation, insisting Obi remained committed to the coalition.
Abdullahi explained that Obi was out of the country during the event, while Atiku was unavailable due to other engagements.
He said, “The programme was impromptu; most of the party leaders were not in attendance. Obi was out of the country, and Atiku wasn’t available.
“There’s nothing to suggest that Peter Obi is withdrawing from the coalition. He is still with us.
“Let me state again that Atiku isn’t the owner of the building, and he didn’t donate it to the ADC. He leased the building, and his rent had expired. The ADC rented the building.”
