Key Reasons They Haven’t Officially Joined ADC
1. Ongoing Electoral Commitments Before 2027
Bolaji Abdullahi emphasized that both Obi and El‑Rufai remain in their existing parties (Labour Party and SDP, respectively) primarily because they are actively engaged in ongoing elections ahead of the 2027 general election.
El‑Rufai and his group have already purchased nomination forms and are contesting elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform.
Obi has similar pending commitments within the Labour Party (LP).
Abdullahi explained that it’s strategically logical to let them complete those electoral duties before fully transitioning to the ADC.
2. Principled and Gradual Transition
The ADC leadership has granted both leaders time to finish up those processes before joining formally. Once their pre‑2027 electoral engagements are concluded, they will officially join ADC. But in principle, they are already part of the opposition coalition.
3. No Preferred Candidate, No Hidden Agendas
Bolaji Abdullahi stressed that ADC is committed to internal democracy and transparency. The coalition has not pre‑selected any candidate—they’re not favoring Obi, Atiku, or El‑Rufai. Everyone will have an equal chance at the party’s presidential ticket for 2027.
During the July 2, 2025 ADC coalition unveiling in Abuja, both Peter Obi and El‑Rufai attended alongside other political heavyweights. It marked their formal engagement in the opposition coalition, even before any official party switch.
Their delayed formal defection is a carefully managed tactic—allowing them to fulfill earlier responsibilities while aligning fully with ADC once those electoral cycles conclude.
Peter Obi and Nasir El‑Rufai have not yet formally defected to the ADC because they’re still involved in ongoing electoral processes under their current party platforms. ADC has given them space to conclude these commitments before making the official move. Importantly, ADC affirms that this delay does not affect their alignment with the coalition’s shared mission, nor is any favoritism involved in the potential selection for 2027’s ticket.
