ADC NEC Insists Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola Must Quit Parties Before Joining

The Non-resigned National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola are welcome to join the party — but only if they formally resign from their current political platforms.

According to the NEC, the Electoral Act 2022 requires that new members must register at the ward level in their home states.

The committee warned that failure to meet these conditions could result in legal disputes that would damage the credibility of any coalition involving the ADC.

The NEC made this position known during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where it also addressed the ongoing leadership tussle within the party.

The committee commended outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, for what it described as his visionary leadership, and confirmed former Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, as the legitimate Acting National Chairman.

Rejecting what it termed “unconstitutional takeover attempts,” the NEC denounced recent moves to install parallel leadership. It also dismissed claims that Bala had resigned, describing the purported resignation letter dated 18 May 2025 as “fraudulent” and lacking the official ADC letterhead, further noting that it contradicted Nwosu’s public statement of 2 July.

“We welcome leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, but we emphasise that formal resignation from previous parties must be documented,” the NEC stated.

“Registration at ward levels in home states is mandatory per the Electoral Act. Failure to comply risks legal challenges and undermines coalition credibility.”

The committee announced that Bala will oversee daily operations and prepare for a National Convention within 90 days.

It also revealed plans to seek formal endorsement from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Bala’s acting chairmanship and to pursue legal action against those circulating counterfeit documents.

The NEC urged members to report irregularities to the National Working Committee (NWC) Secretariat and to uphold Article 9.5 of the party’s constitution, which stipulates that “no non-member shall hold office.”