Peter Obi's ADC Coalition Involvement Sparks Accusations, Political Maneuvering, and Youth Disillusionment

 

A fresh political whirlwind is brewing following revelations surrounding Peter Obi's association with the opposition coalition being championed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State now finds himself at the center of controversy, with insiders alleging he was lured into the coalition under false pretenses.

Katchy Ononuju, a former Special Adviser on Public Affairs to Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign, has publicly declared that the coalition misled the former LP flag bearer. According to Ononuju, the coalition promised Obi a pathway to candidacy but shifted its direction once formed. He claims the real intent was to project former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the coalition’s presidential hopeful for 2027.

Allegations from Ononuju suggest a calculated effort to use Obi’s political capital and mass following, particularly from the youth-driven Obidient Movement, to legitimize the coalition’s agenda. Speaking to DAILY POST, Ononuju painted the picture of a manipulated arrangement where Obi was convinced to join under the guise of unity and inclusion. Once the coalition was launched, the focus allegedly shifted to backroom negotiations favoring Atiku.

Despite this narrative, Peter Obi has publicly stated that he has not entered any agreement on joint tickets or power-sharing deals. He emphasized that should any coalition agreement require him to serve a single term, he would honor that commitment and leave office by May 28, 2031. His remarks have fueled speculation that behind-the-scenes discussions are indeed ongoing, even if formal alignments have not been finalized.

Further complicating matters is Atiku Abubakar’s recent pronouncement that he would seek the presidency in 2027. He pledged to crack down on corruption, claiming a future administration under his watch would punish any public official guilty of looting. While such rhetoric has energized his loyalists, critics view it as a prelude to an aggressive campaign strategy, especially amid rumors that the ADC coalition was his brainchild.

Ononuju did not mince words in expressing his distrust of Atiku's motives. He alleged that Atiku has long resisted the principle of zoning the presidency to the South despite previously endorsing the idea. For Ononuju and other southern advocates, zoning represents a balance of power that must be respected for true national unity. He went further to suggest that Peter Obi’s political career could be severely damaged if he accepts a secondary role, such as Vice President, in any future arrangement.

Citing examples from past administrations, Ononuju pointed out how vice presidents often become politically sidelined. He argued that voices like Osinbajo, Shettima, and even Jonathan during his time under Yar’Adua were subdued. Should Obi find himself in such a position, Ononuju warned, it could signal the end of his political relevance, especially among the youth who propelled him into national prominence.

While Ononuju maintains that the ADC coalition is largely an Atiku-led initiative aimed at consolidating northern political interests, other stakeholders disagree. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, dismissed the claims of trickery, asserting that Obi remains focused on nation-building rather than political bickering. Tanko labeled the allegations as deliberate distractions orchestrated by those seeking to fracture the opposition.

According to Tanko, Peter Obi remains firmly with the Labour Party. His involvement with the ADC coalition, he said, is part of broader strategic planning for the 2027 elections. Tanko stressed that any official position regarding Obi’s political future would be communicated directly by the man himself or through trusted aides.

He reiterated that Obi’s objective remains rescuing Nigeria from entrenched economic and institutional dysfunctions. Emphasis, he noted, should be on cooperation, not conflict, especially as the nation edges toward another pivotal election cycle.

Observers are now watching closely to see how the coalition evolves and whether it can maintain unity amid such deep-seated mistrust and conflicting ambitions. The next few months could determine whether Peter Obi solidifies his political independence or gets entangled in a web of alliances that challenge the very foundation of his grassroots support.

With 2027 still two years away, the evolving dynamics within Nigeria’s opposition landscape may well redefine the country’s political narrative. Whether Peter Obi emerges strengthened or sidelined depends on how he navigates this complex and increasingly heated terrain.