The African Democratic Congress has called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to clarify whether he intends to formally join its coalition ahead of the next election cycle. The party stressed that while Obi remains a valued political figure capable of strengthening its platform, it will not pressure him into making a decision before he is ready.

The appeal comes as high-level consultations intensify across Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, El Rufai already indicated interest in ADC, party says

According to the ADC, several prominent politicians have already signaled commitment to the coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai. Party officials say both men took clear steps to align with the ADC shortly after the country’s off-season elections.

The latest political meetings appear to reflect growing activity among opposition figures. On Saturday, Atiku visited former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence, in what many observers believe was part of broader strategic consultations.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page, Atiku wrote, “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”

ADC: Our priority is credibility, not zoning debates

Speaking on Sunday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the party’s focus is convincing Nigerians that it offers a credible political alternative, rather than debating zoning arrangements at this stage. According to Abdullahi, zoning will only be discussed when the party reaches the appropriate decision-making phase.

“We are not talking about zoning now. Nigerians want to know what we can do differently. That is our priority,” he said.

Abdullahi added that although he understands Obi’s concerns, the former Anambra governor must eventually decide whether he wants to be fully part of the coalition.

“I will encourage him to make up his mind if he wants to join us. What matters most is showing Nigerians that we represent a credible alternative, regardless of where our candidate comes from,” he said.

ADC says it wants Obi, rejects claim of instability

Abdullahi emphasized that the party genuinely wants Obi to join its fold and help strengthen its national presence.

“For us, we want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics,” he said. “If zoning is the condition for him to remain undecided, then perhaps that discussion should wait for the right time.”

The spokesman also pushed back against remarks suggesting the coalition was unstable. He argued that the ADC had made significant progress in recent months.

“It’s unfortunate he used the word unstable,” Abdullahi said. “We are stable. Within five months, we have offices in 27 or 28 states without a single political officeholder. That is a major achievement.”

He noted that the party would welcome Obi’s involvement at the grassroots level, especially in his home state of Anambra, where he could help build stronger political structures.

Obidient Movement calls for patience

Meanwhile, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, urged the ADC to give the former governor more time to consult with stakeholders.

Tanko said Obi’s decision would be guided by careful discussions aimed at ensuring alignment with a platform capable of delivering meaningful political reform.

What this means for 2027

With the 2027 presidential race still years away, political alliances are already shifting. Analysts say the ADC’s open courtship of Obi underscores the opposition’s desire to consolidate forces ahead of another competitive contest.

As consultations continue, the extent to which major political figures cooperate or reorganize may shape early momentum in the coming election cycle.