The African Democratic Congress (ADC) officially unveiled its new national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, a move interpreted as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its national presence.
Notably absent from the event were key opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi, both of whom the ADC has been courting for full membership.
RoundReports understood that the new secretariat was previously the building used by Atiku during his presidential campaign for the last election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner.
Addressing reporters at the unveiling, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed suggestions that the acquisition of the building indicated a shift in opposition alignment.
"Atiku used to be the tenant of this building 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," Abdullahi said.
He stressed that the party remained committed to fairness and internal cohesion ahead of its February congresses.
"The ADC leadership, under Chairman David Mark, has made it clear that the party will be fair to everyone concerned.
"At the root of what you call their crises is injustice and lack of fairness. We have kept disagreements and conflicts within our party relatively low. So, it’s not going to be business as usual," he said.
Abdullahi also clarified the status of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi within the coalition.
"You are aware that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and His Excellency Peter Obi were given until the end of the Anambra election.
"Now, the election is done, so we expect that everybody will come back together fully. The positions of any of these leadership roles have not changed from the original coalition arrangement," he added.
The ADC has been urging all coalition affiliates to formally resign from their current parties and register fully with the ADC, a directive that has met resistance from some prominent figures.
Obi, according to reports in September, indicated he would clarify his position only after the November 8 Anambra governorship election.
At the ceremony, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark described the new headquarters as a symbol of the coalition’s ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political future.
"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," Mark said.
He added that the secretariat would serve as the operational nerve centre for refining strategies, developing policies, and grooming future leaders.
"From within these walls, we shall continue to champion policies that will uplift communities, strengthen institutions, and safeguard the democratic foundations of our republic," he said.
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