The Obidient Movement of Peter Obi has faulted a fresh directive from the African Democratic Congress, compelling opposition leaders to abandon their political parties and fully enroll as ADC members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, warned that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter, would not be railroaded into decisions without due consultation.
Tanko stressed that Peter’s alignment with the coalition was never driven by desperation for power.
“Obi is not desperate to be President of Nigeria. His ultimate mission is to see Nigeria work — to lift people out of poverty, to improve the economy, education, healthcare, and security.
“These were the reasons he joined the coalition in the first place, targeted towards good governance, which are the core values of the Movement,” he said.
The group questioned why the ADC appeared to be altering resolutions already adopted by the coalition, particularly its zoning arrangement and the process of sharing principal offices.
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It also maintained that, as a leader with a broad constituency, must consult widely before responding to any ultimatum. He said, “While we remain fully committed to the vision and acknowledge the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform, it is on record that Obi aligned with the coalition’s position after the Anambra governorship poll, extending to the 2027 elections.
“This adoption and pronouncement were made publicly by the party. We are therefore concerned as to why the resolution is now being altered midway through the agreement.
“Obi, as a leader with a broad constituency, has always taken time to consult widely before making major political decisions. He did so before joining the coalition, and he must also do so before responding to any ultimatum.”
The ADC, which was unveiled in July as the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, has been struggling to get opposition figures such as Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to formally join its ranks.
While some politicians have since crossed over, both Obi and El-Rufai have remained in their respective parties despite identifying with the coalition.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, reiterated the caucus’s decision that all coalition members resign from their current parties and register as full ADC members, a move dismissed by the APC and PDP as inconsequential.
But the Movement has now drawn a line, stressing that Obi would not be stampeded into abandoning the Labour Party for the ADC, especially without clarity on equity, fairness, and zoning within the coalition.
PUNCH
