The African Democratic Congress has hit back at Peter Obi for abandoning the party, with spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi suggesting the former presidential candidate was never genuinely committed to the ADC's ideology.
Abdullahi said Obi's defection to the National Democratic Party was pre-planned and amounted to putting ambition before principle. He accused the Anambra-born politician of playing "ticket-first politics," implying that Obi had used the ADC simply as a vehicle to contest elections rather than building the party's vision.
The criticism comes days after Obi announced his exit from the ADC, a development that caught many party members off guard. Since Obi left the People's Democratic Party in 2022, he had been the ADC's flagship candidate and most recognizable face, running as its presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 election.
Abdullahi's statement reflects deep frustration within the ADC over the loss of its most prominent member. Party insiders had believed Obi would help strengthen the ADC's structure and expand its national footprint ahead of future elections. Instead, they now say he used the party's ticket for personal political pursuits.
The ADC spokesman did not immediately say whether the party would take any formal action regarding Obi's departure or his move to the NDP. However, his public rebuke signals that the split is acrimonious and unlikely to be resolved quickly.
Obi has not yet issued a detailed response to the ADC's accusations. His media team is expected to issue a statement soon addressing the party's claims about his commitment and the reasons for his decision to join the NDP.
