Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says Peter Obi’s move to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was driven by his inability to navigate a competitive coalition environment that demands negotiation and compromise.

Abdullahi made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, following the recent defection of Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the NDC.

According to him, Obi’s exit from the ADC was not sudden but carefully planned. He argued that the former Anambra governor sought a political platform that could assure him of the presidential ticket without the complexities of internal bargaining.

“The kind of party Peter Obi needed was one that could guarantee him the ticket before he joins,” Abdullahi said, noting that coalition politics requires balancing diverse interests and accommodating competing ambitions—conditions he believes Obi could not manage.

He further claimed that Obi aimed not only to secure the presidential nomination but also to influence the choice of his running mate.

While expressing disappointment over the departure of both Obi and Kwankwaso, Abdullahi described their exit as a mixed development for the ADC. He said it has eased internal pressure within the party, allowing it to refocus its strategy ahead of future elections.

“Though it is a setback, it is not a fatal blow,” he added, stressing that the ADC would not engage in hostility with the defectors, as they are not considered enemies.

The development marks a significant shift in the opposition political landscape, with both Obi and Kwankwaso now aligning with the NDC as preparations gradually build toward the next general election cycle.