Cracks have begun to emerge within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following mounting pressure from supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Findings indicate that tensions stem from the insistence by Obi’s followers, popularly known as the Obidients, that he must secure the ADC presidential ticket or risk a mass withdrawal from the party. This posture, party insiders say, has unsettled several ADC leaders, particularly from the North, who view the approach as overbearing and divisive.
Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, formally joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu after the opposition coalition he was part of transformed into the party. Prior to his defection, Obi had publicly pledged to serve only a single term if elected president and was also engaged in alliance talks with NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, over a possible joint ticket.
Since his entry into the ADC, Obidient Movement members who defected from the Labour Party have intensified calls for Obi to clinch the presidential ticket, arguing that the South should retain power for eight years before it rotates back to the North.
Prominent Obi loyalists have openly rejected any vice-presidential role for the former governor. Activist Aisha Yesufu, in a viral video, vowed to oppose the ADC if Obi accepts a running mate position. Similarly, political economist Pat Utomi warned he would withdraw support if Obi settled for a vice-presidential slot.
The growing assertiveness of Obi’s supporters has reportedly fuelled friction between his camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another key opposition figure. Atiku recently cautioned supporters of both camps against verbal attacks, warning that such exchanges could weaken opposition unity.
An ADC leader in Abuja, who spoke anonymously, admitted that while there was no outright division yet, many stakeholders were increasingly uneasy about the unfolding rivalry. According to the source, some leaders fear the emerging fault lines could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, confirmed that party leaders were concerned but insisted that those causing disaffection were a small fraction of Obi’s supporters. He maintained that Obi remained committed to party unity and nation-building, stressing that many inflammatory comments attributed to Obidients were coming from individuals not affiliated with the ADC.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also warned that the “candidate-or-nothing” mindset among supporters of any aspirant could damage the party’s prospects. He emphasised that securing the ticket alone was not enough, noting that unity and broad-based support were essential to winning elections.
Echoing similar concerns, the Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum and Kogi State Chairman, Kingsley Ogga, said the insistence by some Obi supporters was slowing the party’s momentum. He cautioned that such rigidity could ultimately harm both the party and Obi’s own ambitions.
ADC National Treasurer, Ibrahim Mani, clarified that the party was focused on building a strong, credible opposition rather than advancing individual ambitions. He said the ADC was positioning itself as a rallying platform for Nigerians seeking an alternative to the ruling party.
In response, the Obidient Movement rejected claims of overbearing behaviour. Its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said the group was simply promoting its candidate within democratic norms and had advised members against antagonising other aspirants.
Tanko stressed that while winning the party primaries was important, the larger objective remained victory at the general elections. He added that the growing number of Obidient supporters joining the ADC reflected their commitment to strengthening the party ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Coalition of United Political Parties National Secretary and Obi loyalist, Peter Ameh, warned against attempts to stifle the expression of Obi’s supporters, arguing that open competition and visibility were healthy for party growth.
As the ADC prepares for its primaries, party leaders face the delicate task of managing competing ambitions while preserving unity in a bid to present a formidable opposition in the 2027 elections.