The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), to make a clear decision on whether he intends to formally join the party as efforts to solidify the ADC-led political coalition continue.

The party said Obi remains a key figure within the coalition but stressed that he will not be forced to take up membership.

Earlier, Obi had raised concerns that the coalition was stalling due to unresolved issues around zoning and rotation of key offices, although he expressed confidence in the calibre of leaders involved, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.

Responding, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi told Punch that zoning is not currently on the party’s agenda, insisting that the focus is on presenting a credible alternative to Nigerians.

“We’re not talking about zoning or no zoning now. Nigerians are still waiting for us to tell them what we will do differently,” Abdullahi said.

He added that if zoning is Obi’s condition for joining, he may need to wait until the party reaches that stage.

“I will encourage him to make up his mind if he wants to be part of the coalition or not. The most important thing for us is how we can convince Nigerians that we represent the credible alternative,” he stated.

Despite the pressure, Abdullahi emphasised that the party wants Obi within its fold.

“We want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics and provide a credible alternative,” he said, urging him to support party-building efforts, particularly in Anambra State.

He also rejected claims that the coalition is unstable, noting that the party has established offices in 27 or 28 states within five months without holding any political office.

ADC maintained that it is making steady progress in strengthening its nationwide structure and insisted the coalition remains stable despite internal debates over zoning and leadership rotation.