The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the defection of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress would weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi stated this during an appearance on AIT’s Political Platform, where he stressed the need for opposition parties to remain united in order to effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.
According to him, a fragmented opposition would ultimately strengthen the ruling party’s chances at the polls.
“If you have a united opposition working to challenge the incumbent, then you stand a better chance,” he said.
“But the moment the opposition becomes divided and you have a three-horse or four-horse race, it gives an advantage to the incumbent.”
The ADC spokesman noted that the departure of Obi and Kwankwaso from the party was not only a setback for the ADC but also a blow to the broader opposition movement.
“What happened with Peter Obi and Kwankwaso leaving the ADC does not hurt only the ADC, it hurts the generality of the opposition. It will affect them the same way it affects us,” he added.
Abdullahi, however, maintained that the opposition could still make an impact in 2027 if it succeeds in building stronger alliances and common political interests.
He also clarified that any ongoing talks involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants were personal political engagements and not official negotiations by the ADC.
“If Atiku Abubakar is talking to any other aspirant, it is not ADC speaking; it is one aspirant negotiating with another,” he stated.
