A report has claimed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, are yet to formally leave their respective parties because of the unresolved issue of the 2027 presidential ticket within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources within the party, who spoke to Punch, stated that once the ADC finalises its zoning arrangement, those favoured by the outcome, particularly presidential hopefuls, will officially join the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
A source within the coalition also revealed that the party’s leadership had begun taking action on the matter, adding that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the 2027 election timetable, the ADC would activate its structures to facilitate mass defection and formal membership.
Obi has not formally joined the ADC but has openly declared his commitment to the party.
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Although Atiku has not made a formal declaration, many coalition leaders strongly believe the former VP will contest the 2027 presidential election.
Obi, Atiku, and several of their high-profile loyalists remain in the LP and PDP, respectively, and have yet to officially join the ADC.
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The source described the situation as disturbing, adding that they needed to join the party formally so that millions of other Nigerians could do the same.
He stated, “We expected them, or at least many of their members, to resign their legacy party memberships and formally join the ADC on or before the Wednesday unveiling of ADC as the coalition platform.
“I understand that they all want to know the direction of the coalition, whether it is going to the South or to the North. But I know that many, if not all of them, will join once the party leadership makes its position on zoning known.”
Another source revealed that the coalition was progressing as planned, noting that the decision on who would get the 2027 presidential ticket would be a significant turning point.
“People are joining the coalition for many reasons, but the major reason is to unite in order to unseat the failed administration of President Bola Tinubu.
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“As it stands, the main reason Atiku, Obi, and others are still members of their respective parties and have yet to join the ADC is because discussions are still ongoing especially regarding the zoning of the 2027 presidential election. I believe that, at the right time, once that is concluded, they and their numerous loyalists will defect to the ADC.
“The party leadership has hit the ground running so that when INEC releases the election timetable, decisions will be taken to enable them and other Nigerians to join the party as soon as possible.”
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