The African Democratic Congress National Executive Committee led by Temitope Ogah has downplayed concerns over the departure of key political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying their exit will not affect the party’s preparations for its forthcoming national convention or dealings with Independent National Electoral Commission.
The committee disclosed that it has stepped up engagement with INEC after submitting formal correspondence detailing the party’s planned activities and convention schedule. It added that consultations with the David Mark-led National Working Committee would commence once the electoral body responds, as part of moves to advance the process.
Speaking with The Nation on Monday, NEC spokesperson Don Norman Obinna, who also serves as the party’s chairman in Abia State, said public discussions around the exits had been overstated. He stressed that the party remains committed to strengthening its internal structure, meeting legal requirements, and presenting a credible candidate in future elections. Obinna explained that the ADC’s political arrangement encourages broad participation, noting that the emergence of several aspirants is a normal part of the build-up to party primaries, after which a consensus candidate is expected to emerge.
He maintained that the party’s coalition efforts were never built around any single individual, insisting that its alliance involved broader political interests beyond personalities. According to him, political defections and realignments are common developments in party politics, particularly after primary elections when only one aspirant eventually secures the party ticket. He said the ADC has already put reconciliation mechanisms in place to address possible grievances after its congresses and primaries, with structured engagements planned to sustain internal unity ahead of elections.
Obinna also dismissed claims that recent defections, including Obi’s reported exit, stemmed from internal disputes within the party, describing them instead as decisions driven by personal political interests. On preparations for the national convention, he revealed that the party has formally written to INEC and submitted relevant court judgments relating to its internal processes.
He expressed confidence that the electoral commission would respond appropriately, allowing the party to proceed with its congresses and convention in line with legal and constitutional provisions. The spokesperson said the party is currently awaiting regulatory feedback before fully activating its convention timetable. He further noted that while formal consultations with the David Mark-led leadership structure are yet to take place, such meetings are expected once there is clarity from INEC.
Obinna emphasised that a recent court ruling empowered the NEC to convene both the national convention and state congresses.He insisted that the ADC’s immediate focus remains resolving administrative and legal concerns, strengthening internal cohesion, and ensuring the party moves into the election season as a united political force.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/
