ADC BoT Chair Denies Compromising Party Standards for Atiku and Obi

 Dr. Bamidele Olumilua, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), firmly denied accusations that the party compromised its standards to accommodate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. 

Addressing a party retreat in Abuja on July 7, 2025, attended by 500 delegates, Olumilua stated, “Our ideological integrity remains untainted; no concessions were made to dilute ADC’s vision for political expediency.” The clarification responds to 2023-2024 merger speculations linking ADC’s 1.2 million members to Atiku’s PDP and Obi’s Labour Party.

Olumilua, backed by 75% of the 55-member BoT, underscored ADC’s commitment to youth empowerment and anti-corruption, dismissing rumors of a 2024 deal offering Obi a vice-presidential slot. 

Critics, including 45% of opposition analysts, allege secret negotiations, pointing to Obi’s 6.1 million 2023 votes as leverage, but Olumilua highlighted a N600 million grassroots fund as evidence of autonomy. The party plans a national convention by August 20 to reinforce its stance, with 65% of members affirming the position, amid 33% inflation and a push to challenge APC’s 20 state governorships.