2027 Elections: ‘Obi Or Nothing’ Mentality Could Cost ADC Victory, Party Warns
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to supporters of its presidential aspirants, cautioning that an “Obi or nothing” or “must-be-my-candidate” mindset could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the virtual ADC Coalition Hours on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, urged supporters to rally behind all aspirants rather than promote divisive loyalty, stressing that unity remains critical to winning the presidency.
The ADC emerged in July 2025 as the coalition platform for opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Since then, the party—under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary—has intensified efforts to strengthen its national structures and build public confidence.
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Several heavyweight politicians have since declared interest in the ADC presidential ticket. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the party in July, followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, and Peter Obi on December 31. More aspirants are expected to declare in the coming weeks.
However, the growing number of contenders has triggered disagreements among supporters, particularly over zoning. While many Obi supporters are pushing for the ticket to be zoned to the South, most Atiku supporters are advocating an open contest.
Abdullahi disclosed that he had engaged key coalition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to emphasise the need for focus and collective commitment.
According to him, all leaders involved share a common goal of rescuing Nigeria and are committed to ensuring victory for the party.
He warned that divisiveness among supporters only plays into the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that securing the party’s ticket alone is meaningless without winning the general election.
Abdullahi further noted that while early elections could favour the opposition due to public dissatisfaction with the current administration, rushed timelines could also harm the party if internal wounds from the primaries are not properly healed.
The ADC spokesman said the party would begin deliberate efforts to reinforce internal cohesion, urging leaders and supporters alike to avoid vilification and regional antagonism.
He specifically cautioned that the “Peter Obi or nothing” slogan does more harm than good, insisting that such rhetoric promotes division and discourages broader national support.
“Our focus is winning the election,” Abdullahi said. “Anything that divides us works against that objective.”