ADC Faces Internal Strain as Obi Supporters Push for 2027 Ticket

Cracks are emerging within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections following growing pressure from supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient Movement. The tension centres on the insistence by Obi’s followers that he must secure the party’s presidential ticket or risk their withdrawal from the coalition.

Findings indicate that the disagreement has unsettled party leaders, particularly as the ADC seeks to position itself as a united opposition force capable of challenging the ruling party. While party officials downplay the extent of the rift, multiple stakeholders acknowledge that the unfolding dynamics could affect internal cohesion if not carefully managed.

Rising Tensions Over Obi’s Presidential Ambition

Peter Obi formally joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, after emerging as a key figure in the opposition coalition that later transformed into the party. A former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Obi had earlier pledged to serve a single term if elected president, a promise that resonated strongly with his supporters.

Since his defection, members of the Obidient Movement who migrated with him into the ADC have openly argued that the South should retain the presidency for eight years, insisting that Obi must be the party’s standard-bearer. This stance has reportedly caused discomfort among some northern leaders within the party, who view the approach as exclusionary and potentially damaging to the coalition’s balance.

The situation intensified following public statements by prominent Obi loyalists. Activist Aisha Yesufu and political economist Pat Utomi both warned they would withdraw support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential slot. These declarations, widely circulated on social media, reinforced perceptions that some supporters were unwilling to compromise, further heightening tensions within the party.

ADC Leaders Voice Concern, Call for Unity

ADC leaders have expressed concern that the rivalry between supporters of Obi and those aligned with other aspirants, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, could undermine opposition unity. Atiku himself has urged restraint, warning that verbal attacks between camps weaken the broader opposition project.

Former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwozu, acknowledged that party leaders were worried but insisted that those driving division represented only a small fraction of Obi’s supporters. He maintained that Obi remained committed to party unity and had consistently advised his followers to prioritise national interest over individual ambition.

Similarly, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, cautioned against the mindset that a particular aspirant must emerge as the party’s candidate. He warned that such rigidity could jeopardise the party’s chances in 2027, stressing that victory at the general election, rather than ticket acquisition, should be the primary goal.

Obidient Movement Rejects Claims of Overreach

Leaders of the Obidient Movement have rejected accusations that they are overbearing or intent on imposing Obi on the party. National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko said the group was merely promoting its preferred candidate within democratic norms and had advised members against antagonising other aspirants or regions.

Tanko emphasised that while winning party primaries was important, the ultimate objective was securing victory at the polls. He argued that the increasing number of Obidient supporters joining the ADC demonstrated the movement’s commitment to strengthening the party ahead of 2027.

Other Obi loyalists, including Coalition of United Political Parties National Secretary Peter Ameh, defended the right of supporters to freely express their preference. Ameh warned against attempts to suppress the enthusiasm of Obi’s base, arguing that open competition and visibility were essential for building a robust and credible opposition party.