Tensions are mounting within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as internal divisions surface over the presidential aspirations of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Recent developments indicate that cracks have begun to appear in the party following Obi's high-profile defection and the assertive stance of his supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, who are insisting that he must secure the party's presidential ticket or risk a mass exodus.
Peter Obi officially joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in a well-publicized declaration held at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu. The move marked a significant shift for the former Labour Party flagbearer, who had been a key figure in opposition politics since his strong third-place finish in the 2023 presidential election. Upon defecting, Obi emphasized his commitment to the broader opposition coalition that had coalesced around the ADC as a platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He reiterated his earlier pledge to serve only a single four-year term if elected president, a promise he first made during his 2023 campaign to appeal to voters seeking fresh leadership and accountability.
The defection brought with it a substantial influx of supporters, particularly from the Labour Party in the South-East and other regions where the Obidient Movement had gained traction. In Anambra State, the ADC chairman, Patrick Obianyo, confirmed a "massive influx" of new members into the party following Obi's entry, boosting the party's grassroots presence in key areas. However, this rapid integration of Obi's loyalists has reportedly created friction with existing ADC structures, especially among northern leaders who view the influx as disruptive.
Our findings reveal that the core issue stems from the insistence by Obidient followers that Peter Obi must be the party's presidential candidate in 2027. Many within the movement argue that the South—particularly the South-East—deserves an extended opportunity to lead the country for eight consecutive years before power potentially returns to the North, in line with Nigeria's informal rotational presidency tradition. They contend that Obi's widespread popularity, youth appeal, and performance in 2023 position him as the strongest contender to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the APC. Some Obidients have gone further, stating publicly that they would not support Obi in a vice-presidential role and are prepared to "walk away" if he is not fielded as the flagbearer.
This hardline position has displeased several ADC stakeholders, particularly northern figures who perceive the Obidients' approach as overbearing and regionally biased. Reports indicate that some northern leaders have begun to distance themselves from Obi or express reservations about his dominance within the party. The sentiment is that the ADC, as a coalition platform, should prioritize consensus-building and national balance rather than yielding to demands from one faction. Northern interests within the party are wary of alienating potential allies from other zones and fear that an Obi-led ticket could limit the party's reach in the North, a critical electoral bloc.
Compounding the tensions are ongoing alliance discussions involving other prominent opposition figures. Obi had previously engaged in talks with Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a former Kano State governor who finished fourth in the 2023 presidential race. Kwankwaso has been invited to join the ADC, with proposals floating for a joint ticket that could see one of them as presidential candidate and the other as running mate. Such an arrangement is seen by some as a way to unite northern and southern opposition votes. However, Obidients have largely rejected any scenario where Obi settles for the vice-presidential slot, insisting on his primacy.
Additionally, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who came second in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been linked to the ADC coalition in various reports. Some analyses suggest that Atiku could emerge as a strong contender for the ADC presidential ticket, potentially pitting him against Obi and Kwankwaso in internal primaries. The prospect of a multi-candidate contest has heightened anxieties, with factional alignments already forming. Certain ADC leaders have downplayed rumors of alignments with Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, or even former President Goodluck Jonathan, but the speculation persists amid efforts to build a formidable opposition front.
The emerging divisions highlight broader challenges facing Nigeria's opposition as it seeks to present a united challenge to the APC in 2027. The ADC, previously a minor party, has gained prominence through the influx of high-profile defectors and coalition partners, but sustaining internal harmony remains difficult. Obi's entry has undeniably energized the party, drawing in disillusioned voters and youth demographics frustrated with the status quo. Yet, the same momentum that bolsters the ADC risks fracturing it if demands from one group overshadow collective decision-making.
Political analysts note that Nigeria's multi-ethnic and regional political landscape makes such tensions almost inevitable in coalition-building. The push for zoning and rotational power has long influenced party strategies, and Obi's southern base naturally amplifies calls for southern leadership post-2023's northern-led administration. Northern stakeholders, however, emphasize the need for inclusivity to avoid alienating voters in their region.
As the ADC approaches its primaries and convention processes, party leaders face the delicate task of balancing these competing interests. Peter Obi's camp remains optimistic, pointing to his track record of fiscal prudence during his governorship, his anti-corruption stance, and his ability to mobilize support beyond traditional party lines. Obidients continue to organize rallies and online campaigns reinforcing their position.
For now, the cracks in the ADC serve as an early warning of the hurdles ahead for the opposition. Whether through compromise, a negotiated ticket, or a contested primary, the resolution of this internal rift will significantly shape the party's prospects in 2027. The coming months will test the coalition's maturity and ability to transcend individual ambitions for the greater goal of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party. With defections, alliances, and public sentiment in flux, Nigeria's political landscape remains dynamic and unpredictable as the countdown to the next general elections intensifies.
