Peter Obi Disowns Verbal Attacks on Atiku, Others Amid ADC Tensions

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has publicly disassociated himself from verbal attacks allegedly directed at leaders of the opposition coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Peter Obi’s clarification comes amid growing internal tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over emerging presidential ambitions and the conduct of supporters linked to the Obidient Movement.

In a video that has gained wide circulation on social media, Obi firmly rejected claims that he encouraged or condoned insults against fellow opposition figures. He stressed that such actions were contrary to his political values and the principles he has consistently upheld, warning that some individuals were exploiting his name to create division within the coalition.

Peter Obi Rejects Insults, Reaffirms Politics of Respect

Addressing supporters in the viral video, Obi categorically stated that verbal abuse was alien to his style of politics. He insisted that individuals engaging in such conduct were not genuine members of the Obidient Movement, describing them as impostors acting outside the movement’s ethos.

According to him, respect for political opponents and colleagues has always defined his public life. “You have never seen me call anybody a bad name,” Obi said, adding that he neither supports nor subscribes to name-calling in politics, regardless of disagreements.

The former Anambra State governor further explained that his involvement in the ADC was grounded in mutual respect among coalition members. He emphasised that political competition should not degenerate into personal attacks, noting that intolerance and abuse only weaken democratic engagement.

Longstanding Ties With Opposition Leaders

Peter Obi underscored his long-standing relationships with key figures in the opposition coalition, dismissing suggestions that he would authorise attacks against them. He described Atiku Abubakar as a respected elder and political leader, while also highlighting his close relationships with other prominent figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, John Oyegun, Rauf Aregbesola, Liyel Imoke and other coalition leaders.

He questioned the logic behind claims that he would speak ill of people he regards as colleagues and elder statesmen. Obi maintained that his interactions within the coalition have been cordial and built on years of shared political engagement and mutual understanding.

Reassuring his supporters, Peter Obi warned that certain elements were deliberately stirring discord by falsely attributing abusive remarks to him. He insisted that such actions were designed to damage his political brand and undermine unity within the opposition.

ADC Presidential Permutations and Rising Friction

The clarification comes against the backdrop of reported cracks within the ADC following Obi’s defection to the party on December 31, 2025, in Enugu. Obi is a central figure in the opposition coalition that later adopted the ADC as its political platform, and his potential presidential ambition has generated intense debate within the party.

Findings indicate that tensions intensified due to pressure from Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, who have insisted that he must secure the party’s presidential ticket or risk their withdrawal. Some ADC leaders, particularly from the northern part of the country, have reportedly expressed discomfort with what they perceive as the overbearing posture of Obi’s promoters.

Several prominent Obi loyalists have also taken hardline positions. Activist Aisha Yesufu and political economist Prof Pat Utomi have both publicly warned against Peter Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot, with each threatening to withdraw support if such a move is made. These statements have further deepened divisions within the opposition ranks.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged restraint on all sides. In a post on his social media handle, he cautioned supporters against verbal attacks, warning that internal hostility was eroding opposition unity at a critical time.

Call to Focus on National Challenges

Beyond internal party disputes, Peter Obi urged politicians and their supporters to redirect attention to Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He cited rising insecurity, unemployment, hunger and the growing number of out-of-school children as issues that should dominate political discourse.

He lamented the increasing incidents of mass abductions, including kidnappings in places of worship, and stressed that governance-focused conversations were more urgent than personal rivalries. According to him, meaningful political engagement must prioritise solutions to citizens’ everyday struggles rather than internal squabbles.