‘Those Shouting Peter Obi Or Nothing Are Not Helping Him’ – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned supporters of its presidential hopefuls against a “must‑be‑my‑candidate” mentality, saying such exclusivist loyalty could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general election.

Naijaonpoint reports that the warning was issued during the party’s virtual ADC Coalition Hours on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, who stressed the need for unity and collective backing of all aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

Abdullahi urged ADC supporters to rally around all declared candidates and avoid divisive slogans that could undermine the party’s cohesion.

He said, “Those supporting this divisiveness among supporters of any of the aspirants should stop what they are doing because they are clearly working to the advantage of the APC and President Bola Tinubu.

“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful because getting the ticket alone means nothing. What is important is winning the election, and we cannot carry this divisiveness and expect to win.”

The ADC became the coalition platform for opposition figures in July 2025, aimed at presenting a unified challenge to the APC in 2027. Under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, as National Chairman, and ex‑Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, the party has been strengthening its structures nationwide and appealing to Nigerians for broad support.

Several high‑profile leaders have joined the party and signalled presidential ambitions, Rotimi Amaechi (July 2025), Atiku Abubakar (November 2025) and Peter Obi (December 31, 2025)

Additional aspirants are expected to declare in the coming weeks.

Internal debate over zoning has seen contrasting demands from supporters. Many Obi backers want the ticket zoned to the South, while Atiku loyalists argue for an open contest.

Abdullahi said he had personally engaged key stakeholders to reinforce unity.

He further stated, “I spent time talking to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, who have indicated interest in vying for the presidential ticket of our party, as well as the likes of Mallam Nasir El‑Rufai, to strengthen our party and unite it.

“Our leaders are all aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election.”

Addressing concerns about the timing of the 2027 election, Abdullahi acknowledged the debate on whether an earlier poll could benefit the opposition.

“Whether the elections take place this year or next year, it will be double work for us and could also work against us. … We cannot afford to go into bruised primaries and then quickly put ourselves together for the elections,” he said.

While recognising that Nigerians are weary of the current administration, Abdullahi said the ADC does not get to decide the election date.

Abdullahi pledged that the party would start a cohesion drive to ensure its leaders speak with one voice and reject attempts to elevate any individual to an exceptional status.

He said, “We believe that all our aspirants are eminently qualified, and vilifying anybody or any region is not helpful and will only make things more difficult.

“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are equally not helping him. They are preaching division, and they are not selling him. They should stop making others take hard stances because everyone needs to be on board for us to win this election.”