ADC Peter Obi debate intensifies as party warns supporters against division ahead of 2027 presidential primaries

The African Democratic Congress has cautioned supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, against insisting that he must be the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also read: ADC Chairmen meet Obi to strengthen party structures

The warning was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, during a live audio conversation on X on Saturday in Abuja, where he spoke on the state of the nation and Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Abdullahi’s remarks followed growing pressure from some supporters of Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who have declared that they would only back the ADC in 2027 if Obi emerged as its flagbearer.

The ADC Peter Obi debate has gained momentum in recent weeks following Obi’s formal entry into the party. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, have also indicated interest in contesting the ADC presidential ticket.

The party has repeatedly maintained that its presidential candidate will emerge through a transparent primary election rather than imposition.

Despite this position, analysts have suggested that Atiku could be well placed to clinch the ticket, a scenario the Obidient Movement has openly opposed.

Abdullahi warned that the insistence on Peter Obi alone could harm both the former governor and the party’s wider electoral prospects. He said such a stance fuels division, narrows outreach and hardens positions required to secure nationwide support.

According to him, the ADC Peter Obi narrative must be managed carefully to avoid weakening the party ahead of a highly competitive election. He stressed that unity, not exceptionalism, would determine success at the polls.

The spokesman disclosed that he had personally engaged key political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El Rufai, on the need to strengthen internal cohesion and build a united front.

He said all the party’s leaders understood the enormity of the task ahead and were committed to working together to win the next election collectively and decisively.

Speaking on the timing of the 2027 general elections, Abdullahi described proposals to hold them earlier as a double edged sword for the opposition.

He noted that while early polls could make it harder for parties like the ADC to heal internal wounds, they could also work in the party’s favour given widespread public dissatisfaction with the current administration.

He warned aspirants and their supporters to desist from divisive rhetoric, saying such behaviour only strengthens the ruling All Progressives Congress. Abdullahi said winning elections requires broad alliances and inclusive messaging, not threats or ultimatums.

The ADC spokesman added that the party would ignore attempts to create a sense of exceptionality around any aspirant and instead focus on building a credible, peaceful and nationwide campaign platform.

He also said the ADC was taking the forthcoming FCT area council elections seriously, especially after what he described as the party’s poor outing in the Anambra off season poll, noting that the FCT elections offered an opportunity to send a strong signal.

Also read: Obidient Movement, ADC Harmonise Structures in North-East

Abdullahi further expressed concern over reports that some state governments were allegedly compelling civil servants to register as members of ruling parties using their National Identification Numbers, describing the practice as troubling for democratic integrity.