John Umeh
Fresh fault lines have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as disagreements intensify over who should fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential election, following mounting pressure from supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.
Investigations reveal that the tension is being driven largely by members of the Obidient Movement, many of whom recently migrated from the Labour Party into the ADC. The group is insisting that Obi must be given the party’s presidential ticket or risk a mass withdrawal of support.
Obi formally joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, after aligning with a broader opposition coalition that later adopted the party as its platform. Prior to his defection, the former Labour Party presidential candidate had publicly pledged to serve only one term if elected president.
Since his entry, however, internal unease has grown—particularly among some northern stakeholders—who are uncomfortable with what they describe as an aggressive push by Obi’s backers. Party insiders say this has begun to cool enthusiasm among some leaders who initially welcomed the coalition.
Complicating matters further are Obi’s reported alliance talks with NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is also being courted to join the ADC and potentially run on a joint ticket. Obi’s supporters, however, are strongly opposed to any arrangement that places him outside the presidential slot, arguing that the South should complete an eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the North.
Prominent activists have openly drawn red lines. Aisha Yesufu, a leading voice within the Obidient Movement, has vowed to oppose the ADC outright if Obi accepts a vice-presidential role. In a widely circulated video, she said she would actively work against any ticket that positions Obi as a running mate.
Similarly, political economist Pat Utomi stated during a television interview that his support for Obi would end the moment the former governor accepts a deputy role, insisting Obi must contest as president or not at all.
The hardline posture has reportedly triggered friction between Obi’s camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another key opposition figure. In response to rising online hostilities, Atiku recently urged supporters of both camps to tone down attacks, warning that internal brawls could weaken the opposition’s collective strength.
Within the ADC, concern is growing. A senior party figure in Abuja, who spoke anonymously, admitted that while the party is not formally divided, many stakeholders are uneasy about the direction things are heading.
“There is anxiety,” the source said. “Some people feel the manner interests are being pushed could damage the party’s prospects in 2027. We are trying to be cautious and not allow camps to tear the house apart.”
Former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu acknowledged the tension but played down its scale, describing the disruptive voices as a small fraction of Obi’s supporters. He insisted that Obi himself remains committed to party unity.
According to Nwosu, Obi has repeatedly stressed that the movement should prioritise national interest over personal ambition and warned that many inflammatory statements attributed to Obidients are coming from individuals who are not even ADC members.
At the party level, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi cautioned that the “this-candidate-or-nothing” mindset is dangerous and could hand an advantage to the ruling APC.
“What wins elections is unity, not entitlement,” Abdullahi said during a virtual party engagement. “No one secures victory by forcing loyalty. You win by building consensus and carrying everyone along.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kingsley Ogga, Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and Kogi State chairman, warned that absolutist positions could backfire—not just for the party, but for Obi himself.
“In politics, nothing is guaranteed,” Ogga said. “If everyone insists it must be their candidate, the party will fracture. That is not how power is won.”
ADC National Treasurer Ibrahim Mani also stressed that the party is focused on constructing a credible alternative platform for Nigerians, not advancing the ambition of any single individual.
On their part, leaders of the Obidient Movement reject accusations of bullying or imposition. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko said the group is merely promoting its preferred candidate within democratic limits and has cautioned members against antagonising others.
“We are marketing our candidate, not forcing him on the party,” Tanko said, adding that healthy competition strengthens, rather than weakens, political platforms.
Meanwhile, Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an Obi ally, argued that restricting the enthusiasm of Obi’s supporters would amount to suppressing free expression.
As the ADC moves closer to its primaries, party leaders face a delicate balancing act: managing rising ambition, containing factional tension, and preserving unity—without alienating the energetic base that Obi’s supporters bring to the opposition coalition.
