A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Dino Melaye, has suggested that former presidential candidate Peter Obi exited the party because he was unwilling to endure intense internal competition ahead of its primaries.
This comes after reports that Obi, in a statement on Sunday, announced his decision to leave the ADC, citing ongoing legal disputes within the party leadership and broader internal crises.
His exit reportedly came shortly after former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also distanced himself from the party.
Reacting in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Dino Melaye questioned Obi’s political resilience, arguing that his withdrawal raises concerns about his ability to manage national complexities.
According to him, “Peter Obi excused himself from a tough situation. If he cannot face party tribulations and crises, how does he intend to handle Nigeria? Because Nigeria wahala pass ADC problems oooo.”
In a related development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released an updated schedule of activities for its 2026 primary elections, alongside revised costs for nomination forms, “following consultations with party leaders, aspirants, and stakeholders across the country”.
Under the updated timetable, the sale of nomination forms will take place from May 1 to May 4, 2026, while the purchase and submission of completed forms will run from May 6 to May 13, 2026, with May 13 set as the final deadline for submission.
According to Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the party, the screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 14 and May 15, 2026, with the publication of screening results taking place on May 17, 2026.
According to the revised timetable, appeals would be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, while the final list of cleared aspirants would be published on May 20, 2026.
Accordingly, primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate will be held on May 21, 2026, followed by governorship primaries on May 22, 2026.
