Zoning not our priority now, pick your membership card, ADC tells Obi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to make a clear decision on whether he intends to formally join the party’s growing political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The appeal comes after Obi publicly expressed concerns over what he described as “instability” within the coalition, particularly the unresolved issues of zoning and the rotation of key party offices.

Speaking earlier in the week, Obi maintained that although he had reservations about the pace of internal agreements, he still believed in the integrity and political weight of coalition leaders such as former Senate President David Mark and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the ADC, told Punch that the party was not yet at the stage where zoning should be a priority.

According to him, the coalition’s main focus is to present itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country.

“We’re not discussing zoning now. Nigerians are waiting for us to tell them what we will do differently,” Abdullahi said.

“If zoning is the condition for Peter Obi to join, then he may need to wait until we get to that stage.”

“But for now, we encourage him to make up his mind on whether he truly wants to be part of this coalition.”

Abdullahi, however, clarified that the party still considers Obi a vital figure and would welcome him fully if he chooses to join.

“For us, we want Peter Obi to be part of building a political platform that can reset Nigerian politics and offer the country a credible alternative,” he added.

He dismissed Obi’s remarks about instability, insisting that the ADC is currently one of the fastest-growing political movements in the country.

“We are stable. In five months, we have opened offices in about 27 to 28 states without a single political officeholder. That is a major achievement,” he stated.

Abdullahi further urged Obi to replicate the efforts of other leaders who are actively mobilising support and strengthening the party structures in their home states.

“We would like to see Peter Obi go to Anambra and help build the party just as other leaders are doing. He remains an important partner on this journey,” he concluded.

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