Fresh tension is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid growing speculation that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi may be considering another political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Media reports over the weekend suggested that the former Anambra State governor, who has been linked with the ADC in recent months, might be exploring a possible move to the Action Alliance (AA) as his new political base.
However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, downplayed the reports, saying he was unaware of any such plan.
“At the moment, it isn’t on my desk. I know he still has a good working relationship with the leadership of the coalition. We will wait till after the Anambra governorship election,” Dr. Tanko told the Nigerian Tribune.
Tanko also emphasized that the ADC must respect zoning arrangements that favour a southern presidential candidate.
“We have made our position known: the ADC must be all-inclusive. If you are looking for a presidential candidate, it must be from the South,” he added.
Asked whether Obi might reconsider his ties with the ADC if the party refuses to zone its presidential ticket, Tanko said such a decision would be within Obi’s rights.
“If ADC doesn’t zone, it is within his (Obi’s) right to decide what to do,” he said.
A close aide to Obi, who requested anonymity, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the former LP flagbearer might be compelled to seek another platform.
“Is it a crime to look for another platform? Given the current situation in the ADC, it will be difficult for him to make headway. Everyone knows who is likely to emerge as the ADC candidate. No one should blame Peter Obi if he decides to walk away from a trap,” the aide said, without confirming whether the Action Alliance was being seriously considered.
Meanwhile, a member of the ADC Interim National Working Committee (NWC) told Nigerian Tribune that the party leadership was not surprised by reports of Obi’s possible defection.
The official dismissed claims by Obi’s supporters that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—a former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate—was the preferred choice for the ADC ticket.
“What kind of democrat is he that he is running away from a primary? We have done everything to make him stay and even allowed him to nominate the National Organising Secretary. If he feels he can’t get what he wants, he is free to go,” the NWC member stated.
The party official further alleged that Obi had proposed that the ADC’s presidential candidate be chosen through an opinion poll, rather than a delegate-based primary system.
“We are not desperate to have him. We want to build a strong opposition party rooted in discipline and respect for party structures,” the source said.
“The momentum he enjoyed during the last election came from public disaffection with the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket. Many of those who mobilized support for him are no longer with him.”
In a related development, Chief Chekwas Okorie, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), told Nigerian Tribune that Obi was unlikely to clinch the ADC presidential ticket even if he stayed with the party.
“For all I know, he has never been a card-carrying member of the ADC. Everyone knows he’s been engaging with the party but hasn’t declared formally. He already announced on his X handle that he would unveil his political platform in November and confirmed he would run for president,” Okorie said.
He added that the ADC’s delegate-based nomination system would make it nearly impossible for Obi to secure the ticket.
“If he pitches his tent in the ADC, he can’t win. The ADC candidate will emerge through a delegate process, and he can’t muster the numbers. Yes, he’s a beautiful bride being courted by multiple parties, including the PDP,” he added.
Okorie predicted that the 2027 presidential election would shape up to be a three-horse race among Atiku Abubakar (likely ADC candidate), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), and Peter Obi under a yet-to-be-announced platform.
“Let’s wait till November,” he concluded.
Source:Africa Publicity
