The African Democratic Congress on Monday, November 17, unveiled its new national secretariat in Abuja, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen its political presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, notable figures the party has been courting for full membership, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, were absent from the ceremony.
The new headquarters, it was discovered, previously served as Atiku’s campaign office during his last presidential run under the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking at the event, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed suggestions that the choice of building signalled any shift in opposition realignments.
“Atiku used to be the tenant of this building, which he used for his presidential campaign. But his tenancy has lapsed.
“The African Democratic Congress is now the tenant of this building. This is not an indication of anything. It has nothing to do with our movement. This is solely an ADC decision,” he said.
Abdullahi said the party remained committed to fairness and internal stability as it prepares for its congresses scheduled for February.
“The ADC leadership, under the chairman, David Mark, has made it clear that the party will be fair to everyone concerned. At the root of what you call the crises in other parties is injustice and lack of fairness.
“We are glad that we have kept disagreements and conflicts within our party relatively low. So, it’s not going to be business as usual.
“We believe that as long as we continue to uphold the principles that brought us together in the coalition, even when problems arise, we can deal with them.
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“For instance, the chairman promised all the legacy chairmen across the country that nobody would be sidelined. And you can see that we have kept our word because they are still there. So, if an issue comes up, we’ll deal with it,” he said.
He also addressed questions regarding former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi.
“You are aware that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and His Excellency Peter Obi were given until the end of the Anambra election to make a decision. Now that the election is done, we expect that everybody will come back together fully.
“At present, the status of any leadership positions has not changed from the original arrangement within the coalition and the ADC,” he said.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, described the new secretariat as a statement of intent and a symbol of the coalition’s broader ambitions.
“It is a physical testament to our collective resolve to build a greater nation. This ADC coalition is a historic child of necessity, inspired by people’s desire for good governance, greater accountability, and a stronger democracy,” he said.
Mark said the complex would function as the centre where plans are shaped and future leaders are groomed.
“From within these walls, we shall continue to champion policies that will uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and safeguard the democratic foundations upon which our republic stands,” he stated.
The ADC has continued pushing for all members of the broader opposition coalition, launched in July to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, to fully resign from their parties and register with the ADC, a directive that has met resistance from several key figures.