A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticised former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, describing him as unreliable and questioning his dedication to the party following his recent defection.

Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Lawal reacted to Obi’s decision to leave the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that the party had long doubted his commitment.

Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, exited the ADC on Sunday alongside former New Nigeria People’s Party candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso. Both politicians cited internal legal disputes and what they described as an unhealthy political environment within the coalition as reasons for their move.

Lawal, however, dismissed those claims, insisting Obi’s departure stemmed from apprehension about internal competition rather than suspicion of party dynamics. He said the ADC had made considerable efforts to retain Obi, including offering him significant influence over key party structures.

According to him, the party’s leadership went further than it had for any other member by allowing Obi to nominate a preferred candidate for a strategic organisational role, a gesture he said underscored early concerns about Obi’s long-term loyalty.

The former SGF also clarified that his support for Obi during the 2023 elections was based on shared political goals at the time, not personal allegiance. He added that political alignments are fluid and often shift as circumstances change.

Lawal maintained that Obi effectively forfeited his backing by leaving the platform on which their alliance was built, stressing that he could not act against his own party’s interests.

On the broader political implications, he downplayed the significance of the defection of Obi and Kwankwaso, stating that such moves do not automatically translate into electoral advantage. He noted that only a limited number of lawmakers might follow them, suggesting their influence may be overstated.

He also rejected suggestions that a divided opposition would automatically benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that electoral outcomes depend on how voter support shifts across regions.

Reaffirming his commitment to the ADC, Lawal said the party remains focused on building a durable, ideology-driven platform. He added that decisions on key issues such as presidential zoning would be determined through internal processes, including congresses and primaries.