Peter Obi and ADC: Has the Political Honeymoon Already Ended?

Peter Obi’s growing political engagement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to be facing turbulence just as the coalition needs unity to strengthen its base ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ADC, launched in July with high-profile leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-governors Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, initially signaled a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Obi, leveraging his 2023 presidential momentum and the support of his Obidient movement, joined the coalition, presenting the party as a credible alternative to both the ruling APC and his own Labour Party (LP).

Despite his critiques of Nigeria’s “political structure of criminality” and public skepticism toward ADC leadership, Obi positioned himself as the coalition’s presidential contender. In interviews, he stressed that his involvement in the ADC was to contest for the presidency—not to serve as a running mate to Atiku—and called for the North’s trust and support. He also promoted a one-term presidency, asserting that his administration could fix the country within four years.

Obi’s Obidient followers have pushed the “Obi-or-Nothing” narrative, signaling that the coalition’s presidential ticket should go to him unopposed, especially given the South’s turn in the 2023–2031 zoning arrangement. While he actively promotes ADC in national discourse, the coalition’s leadership appears unsettled by his approach, viewing it as preemptive and potentially destabilizing.

In recent remarks, Obi referenced “unsigned agreements” within the ADC concerning zoning and rotation of offices, highlighting a lack of clarity he believes could hinder party organization. The ADC responded cautiously, with spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi urging Obi to “calm down” and contribute more to party-building, especially in the South-East, where the ADC remains weak. In the last Anambra governorship election, for example, the ADC candidate finished fifth with just 8,208 votes, and in a recent bye-election, the party garnered only 2,889 votes despite Obi’s endorsement.

Atiku Abubakar, meanwhile, has formally joined the ADC and is consolidating support in the North, signaling that the coalition’s presidential ticket could be his. Obi’s dual affiliation with the LP and ADC raises strategic questions about his next move: will he push for the ADC ticket, return fully to the Labour Party, or pursue another path?

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As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Obi’s maneuvers within the ADC highlight the delicate balance of coalition politics, internal party dynamics, and regional calculations that will shape Nigeria’s opposition landscape. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the race for the presidency is already intensifying.