By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The African Democratic Party (ADC) has dismissed fears of a possible crisis between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following Obi’s recent defection to the party.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Dr Effiong Nyong, gave the assurance in an interview with BANNERNEWS in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, describing the political actors as mature and experienced leaders capable of managing internal party dynamics.
Nyong, who was the ADC governorship candidate in Cross River State in the 2023 elections, said Atiku and Obi had previously worked together and understood one another, adding that leadership rivalry would not threaten party cohesion.
He noted that the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election would emerge through its congress, stressing that Obi must have consulted widely with key stakeholders before deciding to join the ADC.
“The duo of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are politically mature individuals who understand themselves. I don’t foresee any crisis arising over who becomes the party’s flagbearer,” Nyong said.
According to him, should Obi accept a vice-presidential role in the 2027 election, it could strengthen his prospects for the presidency in 2031.
Nyong also dismissed claims that former Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, leads or coordinates ADC activities in the state, insisting that Imoke remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He is not a member of the ADC. He has neither resigned from the PDP nor registered with our party,” Nyong stated, alleging that some PDP stalwarts were attempting to exert influence within the ADC without formally defecting.
