ABUJA – Peter Obi, a central figure in the proposed African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, has made an urgent public plea for unity among opposition forces, describing key leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as “brothers” and “leaders.”
In a recent interview, Obi moved to douse internal friction, specifically calling out supporters he terms “criminal elements” for using derogatory names against potential coalition partners.
“Atiku is my respected elder brother and my leader,” Obi stated, in a clear signal that internal attacks must cease for the merger to succeed. “Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai, and every other person in the ADC are my brothers—we are all the same”.
He publicly distanced himself from the online abuse, explaining that such actions are counter-productive and an attempt to damage his public persona. “I dissociate myself from those calling other leaders in the coalition bad names. These are criminal elements trying to hurt the Peter Obi brand,” he added.
The statement is seen by political analysts as a strategic effort to solidify a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC aims to bridge the gap between various movements and heavyweight defectors to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Will the various factions heed Peter Obi’s call for civility, or will internal rivalries continue to plague the proposed mega-party coalition?
