BY GODWIN OBI
Cracks have begun to surface within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations by Frontline Reporters indicate that the tension is largely driven by the insistence of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidient Movement, that he must secure the party’s presidential ticket or risk their withdrawal from the coalition.
Sources within the party revealed that some ADC leaders, particularly from the northern bloc, have grown uneasy over what they describe as the “overbearing posture” of Obi’s promoters. As a result, some stakeholders are said to be distancing themselves from his ambition.
Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, formally joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, following the transformation of an opposition coalition into the party. Prior to his defection, he had publicly pledged to serve only a single term if elected president.
He was also reported to be engaged in alliance talks with the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is being courted by the ADC for a possible joint ticket.
However, members of the Obidient Movement who migrated from the Labour Party have remained resolute that Obi must emerge as the party’s presidential flagbearer, arguing that the South should retain power for eight years before it rotates back to the North.
Prominent Obi loyalist, Aisha Yesufu, reinforced this position in a widely circulated video, warning that she would actively oppose the ADC if Obi accepted a vice-presidential slot.
Similarly, a political economist and Obi supporter, Prof. Pat Utomi, stated during a television interview that he would withdraw his support should Obi agree to run as a vice-presidential candidate, insisting that the former governor must contest for the presidency.
Frontline Reporters further gathered that the posture of Obi’s supporters has heightened tensions between his camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another leading figure within the opposition coalition. In response to rising verbal exchanges, Atiku recently cautioned supporters of both camps against public attacks that could undermine opposition unity.
Beyond public disagreements, party insiders disclosed growing anxiety among ADC leaders over the potential impact of the rivalry on the party’s 2027 prospects.
A senior party official in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said while the ADC was not yet divided, many stakeholders were increasingly concerned about the direction of internal engagements.
“There is concern about how competing interests are being driven. Some of us believe the current approach could jeopardise the party’s chances in 2027. While a few leaders are aligning with different camps, others are urging restraint and caution,” the source said.
Confirming these concerns, a former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, acknowledged that party leaders were worried by recent developments but described those fuelling division as a minority within Obi’s support base.
Nwosu maintained that Obi himself remained committed to party unity, adding that many actions attributed to the Obidient Movement were being carried out by individuals who were not even members of the ADC.
According to him, party leaders had collectively agreed to prioritise building a strong platform ahead of individual ambitions, expressing confidence that the party’s primary elections would not trigger a breakdown of unity.
Echoing similar sentiments, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that attempts by supporters to impose a particular aspirant on the party could weaken its chances in the 2027 elections.
He stressed that divisive rhetoric only served the interests of the ruling party, noting that securing the party’s ticket was meaningless without the collective strength required to win the general election.
“The idea of ‘this candidate or nothing’ is not helpful. Our focus must be on unity and winning the election. Vilifying individuals or regions only makes that goal harder to achieve,” Abdullahi said.
The Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Ogga, also cautioned that the uncompromising stance of some Obi supporters was slowing the party’s momentum.
Ogga noted that while all aspirants were free to contest, insisting that one individual must emerge as candidate risked alienating other blocs within the party and weakening its electoral chances.
On his part, the ADC National Treasurer, Ibrahim Mani, said the party’s priority was to build a credible and united opposition capable of offering Nigerians an alternative to the ruling party, rather than advancing the ambition of any single individual.
Responding to criticisms, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, rejected claims that the group was overbearing or attempting to impose its will on the ADC.
He said the movement was committed to democratic engagement and focused on promoting Obi as its preferred candidate without antagonising other party members.
According to Tanko, members had been advised to avoid hostile conduct, noting that healthy competition within a party was essential for growth and electoral success.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and Obi loyalist, Peter Ameh, warned against attempts to restrict the freedom of expression of Obi’s supporters, describing such efforts as counterproductive.
He argued that open competition among aspirants would strengthen the party, improve public engagement, and help determine which candidate possessed the capacity to win the 2027 elections.
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