2027: Peter Obi May Dump ADC Coalition Over Ticket Dispute — SELF
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections over concerns about securing the party’s presidential ticket.
This was revealed by the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF), which accused Obi of preparing to abandon the coalition due to fears of losing out during the primaries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the forum alleged that Obi was set to repeat what he did before the 2022 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, which he left abruptly.
SELF warned that any attempt by Obi or his supporters to force the coalition into zoning the presidential ticket to the South could trigger backlash from the North, which may insist on taking over after the South’s 18-year hold on the presidency.
The group questioned Obi’s commitment to internal democracy and accused him of running from open primaries.
“We note that Mr. Peter Obi and his Obedient movement, in recent times, have resorted to threatening and blackmailing the leadership of the coalition. We make bold to tell the former Anambra governor that such strategy will not work — in fact, it has failed woefully,” the forum stated.
They urged former Senate President David Mark, who chairs the coalition, not to succumb to pressure over zoning, insisting that all aspirants should contest in a fair and transparent primary.
They continued, “Records have shown that Mr. Obi has a history of running away from primary elections. If he claims to be a democrat, why is he always avoiding primaries? Why is he looking for a free presidential ticket?
“As a forum of professionals and emerging leaders, we will not fold our hands and tolerate Peter Obi frustrating the ongoing arrangements to rescue our nation and have a credible alternative to the APC.”
They accused Obi of portraying himself as a political saint while not contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“If Obi is looking for where he will be given a free presidential ticket, the door is open. Although we have gathered reliably that Mr. Obi has secured another platform, which he will soon unveil to contest in 2027, it is high time the leaders of the ADC coalition do not sleep with their two eyes closed,” the statement warned.
SELF called on the ADC leadership to conduct a credible primary election where the most acceptable candidate will emerge and urged all members — including Obi, if he remains — to respect the outcome.
Osun Defender had earlier reported growing concerns within the coalition about Obi’s commitment and the potential impact on the coalition’s unity.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
