Cracks are emerging within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the presidential ambitions of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Investigations reveal that the tension arises from Obi’s supporters—popularly known as Obidients—insisting that he must be considered for the party’s presidential ticket, threatening to withdraw support otherwise.
Sources indicate that some ADC leaders, particularly from the North, are unhappy with what they describe as the dominating approach of Obi’s backers, and have begun distancing themselves from him.
Obi, who joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 and had pledged to serve only a single term if elected president. He has also engaged in alliance talks with Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, on a possible joint ticket.
However, members of the Obidient Movement, many of whom migrated from the Labour Party, insist that Obi must be the presidential candidate, arguing that the South deserves eight years in power before the presidency returns to the North.
Aisha Yesufu, a key supporter of Obi, warned in a viral video that she would actively oppose any ticket in which Obi ran as a vice-presidential candidate. Similarly, political economist Pat Utomi stated that he would withdraw his support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential role.
The insistence of Obi’s supporters has reportedly created friction between his camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. On Tuesday, Atiku cautioned both sides against verbal attacks, emphasizing that such actions undermine opposition unity.
Party Leaders Speak Out
Despite the tensions, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwozu insisted that only a small fraction of Obi’s supporters were causing division. Nwozu noted that Obi remains committed to party unity, highlighting that many inflammatory posts attributed to Obidients are actually from outside groups aiming to discredit the ADC.
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, echoed this sentiment, warning that any insistence on a particular aspirant could jeopardize the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. During the ADC’s virtual Coalition Hours, he emphasized that the party’s focus must remain on collective victory rather than individual ambitions.
Kingsley Ogga, ADC Chairman’s Forum and Kogi State Chairman, also stressed that the “Obi or nothing” mentality was slowing party progress and could even harm Obi’s own chances. National Treasurer Ibrahim Mani added that the party aims to build a strong opposition structure rather than serve individual ambitions.
Obidient Movement Responds
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, insisted the group is democratic and focused on promoting Obi within party norms. He stressed that members are encouraged not to antagonize anyone and that the ultimate goal is victory in the general elections.
Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an Obi loyalist, called for freedom of expression for all supporters, stating that public debate and support for candidates strengthens the party rather than weakens it.
