Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing a difficult battle to maintain political influence within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition, as loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tighten their grip on the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources within the coalition say Atiku’s allies have been quietly consolidating control since the alliance was formed.
These allies reportedly leveraged early entry into the ADC and substantial financial resources to outpace rival factions.
A senior member familiar with the developments said Atiku’s faction has seized control of the coalition.
“Over 70 per cent of the entire structure of the ADC has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp, largely because they joined the party early and have more resources.
“Members of key organs of the party, the NWC, Board of Trustees, state chapters, and others that will play a critical role in determining who becomes the party’s candidate in the next election are largely loyal to Atiku.
“In fact, in some states where the chairmen have refused to cooperate with Atiku’s group, there are ongoing efforts to forcefully implement leadership changes. These moves are aimed at ensuring that party decisions favour Atiku.
“As far as the ADC is concerned, Atiku is in charge, and many of his loyalists have taken over the structure ahead of his declaration or directive, as the case may be. Though Obi is still part of the coalition, he is struggling to catch up with Atiku’s moves.”
Another insider claimed that funding was key to the takeover.
“From day one of the coalition, Atiku’s camp was ahead in the game. In fact, they made a huge amount of dollars available to persuade some ADC members to step aside and make way for the coalition leaders.
“So, it’s not surprising. That was the plan, and that is exactly what’s happening, they’ve taken over the structure. Atiku wouldn’t spend such massive resources and then fold his arms. Beyond the money, many of his loyalists and even strategists have joined the ADC. He’s clearly doing this for himself.
“If Atiku is not contesting — but I believe he will — he will still determine whatever happens within the ADC coalition. So, while Obi, Amaechi, and others are part of the ADC, they appear to be working for Atiku, directly or indirectly.
“Look at the Mark-led NWC, Obi only nominated the National Organising Secretary in the National Working Committee out of over 25 members of the NWC.”
The growing dominance of Atiku’s loyalists has unsettled Obi’s support base, particularly the Obidient Movement, which has accused the ADC leadership of sidelining them from key decision-making.
In a memo dated July 29, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, the group alleged, “Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels… This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership.”
Speaking on the matter, Yunusa, however, insisted Obi was not being edged out, saying, “Obi is not struggling for relevance… these are works in progress… His Excellency Peter Obi has said that he’s joining the coalition for the 2027 general election. At the moment, he’s made it clear that he’s a member of the Labour Party. So, when that time comes, he will take his decision.”
Commenting on the development, the ADC said Atiku has not taken control of it’s ADC structures.
The ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi assured that all aspirants would be given a level playing field in the buildup to the 2027 election.
He stated, “All stakeholders are carried along in the ADC activities. The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organizing Secretary was nominated by Peter Obi. This is the most powerful party position. So, every stakeholder is carried along.
“So, the structure of ADC, from the NWC to other structures, does not belong to Atiku or anyone. We are working alongside all our stakeholders equally to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.
“The ADC as a coalition platform is beyond 2027. We are united to rescue Nigerians from Tinubu’s APC and bring about good governance. So no division anywhere.
“There’s nothing to manage in their (Atiku, Obi and Amaechi) ambitions. Everybody has the right to express their interest in any of those. But for us, at the level we are, we are not having that conversation at all.
“The only thing we can say is that we are going to provide a level playing field for everybody who has an ambition to pursue.
We don’t have any preferred candidates or aspirants. We are going to ensure that we deliver transparently. So, there’s nothing to manage.
“As long as the system is clear to everyone, we are sure that’s the best possible guarantee that we are able to hold everything together.”