BREAKING: Trouble in ADC as Peter Obi Rejected; Reasons Emerge

A leadership faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly refuted claims linking former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to a recent membership registration with the party.

The faction, led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, asserts that the alleged process used to register Obi did not comply with the established rules of the party.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group expressed its disapproval of what it described as false and misleading information circulating in public discourse.

The statement emphasized that the ADC adheres to a strict and mandatory method for admitting new members, with no exceptions granted.

Gombe, who claims to be the authentic National Chairman of the ADC, criticized the association of the party with reports suggesting that Obi had been registered at the party’s zonal office in Enugu. He highlighted that such an action would violate the party’s internal procedures.

He stated, “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu.

The National Working Committee 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 faction reaffirmed that the ADC was founded on principles of internal order and adherence to established rules. According to their statement, membership registration should not be subject to discretion by either zonal or national offices, underscoring the importance of following proper procedures.

Gombe added, “The ADC is a party built on the principles of order, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution. The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined as follows:”

He listed the steps involved, beginning with “Ward Registration: Prospective members must register at their respective Ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This is the primary and constitutionally recognized point of entry.”

He also noted “Documentation: Registration requires the completion of official party forms and the provision of necessary details as required by the party’s registry.”

The process, according to him, ends with “Issuance of Membership Card: Upon successful registration at the Ward level, a validated party membership card is issued.”

The ADC faction said any registration outside this structure has no legal standing within the party. It insisted that zonal offices have no authority to admit members.

He said, “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.”

Based on this, the group formally disassociated itself from the reported registration involving Obi.

Gombe stated, “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 faction also warned Nigerians against being misled by claims of alternative registration channels. It stressed that ward-level registration remains the only recognised entry point into the party.

While restating that the ADC is open to all Nigerians, the group said such openness must follow the party’s laws.

He added, “The ADC remains committed to providing a robust and credible platform for all Nigerians but insists on doing so within the ambit of its laws and regulations.”