The spokesman for the opposition coalition, Bolaji Abdullahi, has confirmed that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been part of the political alliance from the beginning, dispelling rumours that Obi plans to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Abdullahi, who also serves as the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), clarified that Obi has consistently participated in coalition meetings and is committed to the group’s long-term vision.

“Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one,” Abdullahi said, adding that Obi had only requested to remain affiliated with the LP temporarily to conclude ongoing elections involving his supporters. He explained that similar flexibility was granted to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, allowing them both to transition into the ADC after fulfilling existing party obligations. Abdullahi also dismissed suggestions that the coalition is being used to advance Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition, stressing that the platform is not built around any single individual.

The statement comes in response to claims by former Borno State governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who suggested earlier in the week that Obi would soon rejoin the PDP to contest its 2027 presidential ticket. Abdullahi, however, reiterated that the ADC-backed coalition represents a broader national agenda. “This is not an Atiku coalition,” he said. “What is at stake is much bigger than any one person.” On July 1, political heavyweights including Atiku, El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola formally adopted the ADC as their unifying platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.