A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by National Chairman Nafiu Gombe has disowned reports that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi defected to the party and registered at its Enugu zonal office on Thursday, January 1.
The faction, which says it is the ADC’s genuine national leadership, argued that the reported registration did not follow the party’s constitution or its laid-down membership process.
Obi had announced his move to the ADC at a gathering at Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.
Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians and opposition elements to rally around a broad alliance to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”
Reacting in a New Year message released in Abuja, Gombe said the statement was necessary to address what he called misleading reports about how the party admits new members.
He maintained that the ADC operates on discipline and compliance with its constitution, and that its registration pathway is not ambiguous.
“It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu.
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“The NWC wishes to categorically state that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress.
“The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined as follows: ward registration.
“Prospective members must register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This is the primary and constitutionally recognised point of entry.
“On documentation and issuance of membership card, upon successful registration at the ward level, a validated party membership card is issued.”
The faction also insisted that the party’s rules do not permit registration at zonal or national offices.
He added, “The party’s constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at zonal or national offices outside of their designated wards. Any registration carried out contrary to this provision is considered irregular and invalid.
“Therefore, the office of the national chairman distances the original, constitutionally-governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process.”
The group urged party members and the public to ignore any claims that registration can be done through alternative channels, stressing that ward-level registration is the only recognised route.