ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently facing a severe internal crisis as the “Obidient” movement, loyal to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, has issued a definitive demand for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. This development, surfacing on Sunday, January 25, 2026, has triggered a significant rift within the opposition coalition, threatening the unity of the “Third Force” ahead of the next general election.
The friction reached a boiling point following a series of strategic meetings at the party’s national headquarters, where representatives of the Obidient movement insisted that Peter Obi be declared the sole presidential candidate without a primary contest. The movement argues that the South must complete an eight-year presidential cycle and that Obi remains the only opposition figure with the national grassroots appeal necessary to defeat the incumbent administration.
However, this “Obi or nothing” stance has met with stiff resistance from other powerful blocs within the ADC. Northern leaders and loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso have reportedly expressed dismay over what they characterize as the “overbearing and aggressive” tactics of the Obi camp. Sources within the party indicate that several northern stakeholders are already threatening to withdraw their support from the coalition, citing an erosion of internal democracy and a lack of respect for the party’s established primary processes.
“The ADC cannot be turned into a personal cult of personality,” a high-ranking party official from the North-West stated. “We joined this coalition on the premise of a level playing field. If the ticket is being reserved for one man without a credible contest, then the coalition is as good as dead.”
The party’s national leadership, led by National Chairman Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has attempted to douse the tension by reaffirming that the ADC remains committed to a transparent and democratic selection process. The leadership clarified that while Peter Obi is a vital asset to the party, the 2027 presidential ticket will not be “gifted” to any individual, emphasizing that all aspirants must submit themselves to the rigors of a national convention.
As the internal war of words intensifies, political analysts suggest that Peter Obi may be preparing a contingency plan. Reports have emerged that the former Governor has already secured an “alternative platform” with the Action Peoples Party (APP) or Action Alliance (AA) should the ADC’s internal dynamics favor Atiku Abubakar.
With the 2027 election cycle gaining momentum, the ADC now faces the daunting task of reconciling the fiery demands of the Obidient movement with the institutional expectations of its traditional power brokers. Failure to resolve this “primary-or-proclamation” debate could see the much-touted opposition merger collapse before the first ballot is even cast.
