Obi, El-Rufai’s ADC Waiver Sparks Confusion Over Dual Party Loyalty

Obi, El-Rufai’s ADC Waiver Sparks Confusion Over Dual Party Loyalty

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stirred debate over party membership rules after confirming that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai have been granted waivers to retain ties with their current political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, made the disclosure, adding a layer of complexity to the party’s evolving stance on exclusivity.

The announcement appears to contradict a recent declaration by ADC interim national chairman David Mark, who insisted on strict discipline and warned that “you are either in ADC or not in ADC”, a statement that seemed to rule out any form of dual allegiance.

The waiver, according to Abdullahi, was issued to prevent disruption of the political structures already established by Obi and El-Rufai within their legacy parties.

However, the move has sparked confusion among observers and party loyalists, raising questions about whether ADC membership now allows for parallel affiliations, and what that means for the integrity of the restructured opposition coalition that has adopted ADC as its flagship platform

He said: “Absolutely. This applies to both Obi and Nasir (El-Rufai),” he said. “Their supporters and allies have obtained nomination forms to contest elections under their current platforms. Asking them to defect now would disorganise their political structures. They therefore requested a concession, and it was granted.”

Meanwhile, Obi’s camp has also responded to concerns that the ADC leadership’s earlier remarks might force him into an early defection. His media aide, Yunusa Tanko, told The Punch that Obi had always made it clear he remains a Labour Party member, adding that his involvement in the coalition is for strategic coordination ahead of 2027.

Obi’s team also issued a statement disowning two viral press releases circulating on social media—one alleging he had pledged allegiance to the ADC and another claiming he had been offered the role of National Organising Secretary in the party.

“These statements did not originate from Obi or his media office,” said his aide, Umar Ibrahim. “He has been unequivocal in his stance and will not accept anyone speaking for him to push their own agenda.”

The media office advised the public to disregard any statement not released via Obi’s official communication channels.