2027: ADC Divided as ‘Obidients’ Insist on Presidential Ticket for Peter Obi

Cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following growing agitation by supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Findings by Sunday PUNCH indicate that tension within the party is being fueled by the insistence of Obi’s followers—popularly known as the Obidient Movement—that he must be granted the ADC’s presidential ticket or risk their withdrawal from the party.

Growing Discontent Within ADC

Sources within the party revealed that some ADC leaders, particularly from the North, are displeased with what they describe as the overbearing posture of Obi’s promoters. This dissatisfaction, it was gathered, has led to quiet withdrawals of support from Obi by some party stakeholders.

Obi, a key figure in the opposition coalition that later transformed into the ADC, officially joined the party on December 31, 2025, in Enugu. Before his defection, the former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections had publicly pledged to serve only one term if elected president.

He was also reported to have entered alliance discussions 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.

‘Obi or Nothing’ Stance Raises Tension

Members of the Obidient Movement who defected from the Labour Party to the ADC have continued to push the argument that the South should retain power for eight years before it returns to the North, insisting Obi must fly the party’s presidential flag.

One of Obi’s staunch loyalists, Aisha Yesufu, openly vowed to oppose the ADC if Obi accepts a vice-presidential slot. In a viral video following Obi’s defection, she declared her refusal to support any ticket where Obi is not the presidential candidate.

Similarly, a professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, said he would withdraw his support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential nomination. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on January 1, Utomi stated that Obi must contest for the presidency or lose his backing.

Obi–Atiku Camps at Odds

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the uncompromising stance of Obi’s loyalists has heightened friction between his camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In response to rising tensions, Atiku cautioned supporters of both camps against verbal attacks, warning that such actions could undermine opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party insiders revealed growing anxiety among ADC leaders over the escalating rivalry.

A senior ADC official in Abuja, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said while the party was not yet divided, the conduct of supporters posed a serious risk.

“Some of us are worried that the way interests are being pushed could jeopardise the party’s chances in 2027. While some leaders are aligning with camps, others are urging caution,” the source said.

Party Leadership Raises Alarm

Confirming the party’s concern, former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, acknowledged growing unease but insisted that Obi remained committed to party unity.

According to him, only a small fraction of Obi’s supporters were responsible for the division, adding that many individuals speaking under the Obidient banner were not ADC members.

“Peter Obi has made it clear that this is about the country, not personal ambition. Many of the divisive voices are not even members of the party,” Nwosu said.

He assured that the outcome of the party’s primaries would not fracture the ADC.

Similarly, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that the mindset of “a particular aspirant or nothing” could cost the party victory in 2027.

Speaking during a virtual ADC Coalition Hour, Abdullahi stressed that unity—not individual ambition—was critical to defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing only helps the APC and President Bola Tinubu. Getting the ticket alone means nothing if you can’t win the election,” he said.

‘Obi or Nothing’ Hurting Party — Chairmen’s Forum

The Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Ogga, said the posture of Obi’s supporters was slowing the party’s momentum and could ultimately hurt Obi’s own chances.

Ogga emphasised that all aspirants must be allowed to contest freely at the primaries.

“In politics, there is no ‘must.’ If we insist on one person, others will insist on theirs. That mindset will divide the party and weaken our chances,” he said.

ADC Focused on Party, Not Individuals

ADC National Treasurer, Ibrahim Mani, reiterated that the party was being built as a strong alternative platform, not around the ambition of any single individual.

“We are focused on building a credible opposition party that offers Nigerians a real choice, not promoting individual ambitions,” Mani stated.

Obidient Movement Responds

Reacting to the allegations, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, denied claims that the group was antagonistic or imposing its will on the party.

He said the movement was simply promoting its preferred candidate within democratic norms and had cautioned members against hostility.

“We are marketing our product, and our product is Peter Obi. Politics is teamwork, and everyone has the right to promote their candidate,” Tanko said.

Tanko added that while winning the party primaries mattered, the ultimate goal remained victory at the general elections.

Calls for Free Expression

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh—an Obi loyalist—warned against attempts to restrict the expression of Obi’s supporters.

According to him, open competition strengthens the party and helps determine which candidate has the widest appeal.

“Allowing people to express themselves helps the party grow and shows who can deliver victory,” Ameh said.