Special Assistant to Atiku Abubakar on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi’s departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was not a loss for the party.
Obi Found a Haven in NDC, Says Shaibu
Shaibu made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV on Sunday, describing Obi’s move as simply having fun in a new political environment. He said, “I don’t see Peter Obi’s exit as a loss to the ADC. Peter has found a haven in the NDC or wherever he is. He’s simply having fun there.”
Critique of NDC Leadership Structure
Shaibu added that the NDC operates under what he called the “office of the Supreme Leader,” noting that he has never heard from the party’s chairman or secretary, only from its supreme leader.
Shaibu Defends ADC Primary Against Fraud Claims
He also dismissed allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal that the ADC presidential primary which produced Atiku as the 2027 candidate was fraudulent.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Shaibu insisted the process was credible, urging critics to examine the results in areas where opponents such as Rotimi Amaechi performed strongly. “If you check the figures and the margins he got there, you will know that those are his strongholds. It was not a fraudulent process,” he said.
Shaibu emphasized that the burden of proof lies with those making the allegations, pointing out that Atiku was the most popular contender among rivals including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen, making his victory unsurprising.
He likened Lawal’s reaction to a baby deprived of its mother’s breast, saying, “Babachir reminds me of a baby who is yanked off her mother’s breast while suckling. It is like a deprived suckling; definitely, the baby will throw tantrums. He admitted on your show that his preferred candidate was Hayatu‑Deen. He worked for him.”
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