“Anyone Insulting ADC Leaders Is a Criminal — Not an Obidient,” Says Peter Obi

Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has urged supporters to refrain from insulting leaders within the opposition coalition, stressing that such attacks do not reflect his political principles.

Speaking at the Obidient movement’s secretariat on Tuesday, Obi emphasized that abusive comments circulating in his name are the work of individuals acting independently and not members of his movement.

Obi highlighted his cordial relationships with key figures across the opposition, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir el-Rufai, describing them as “brothers” and colleagues. He insisted that respect must guide political engagement within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Most of the things you hear… come from criminals who are not Obidient,” Obi said. “We are not asking for division, and you have never seen me call anybody a bad name. Name-calling is not part of our politics.”

He called on supporters to focus on pressing national issues such as out-of-school children, unemployment, insecurity, and the increasing incidents of mass abductions, rather than personal attacks on political rivals.

Obi’s remarks follow reports of internal tensions within the ADC, partly fueled by differing presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 election. Both Obi and Atiku Abubakar have indicated interest in contesting, while debates over zoning and party tickets have divided supporters.

On January 20, Abubakar similarly warned against personal attacks, noting that such behavior ultimately benefits the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC’s leadership has reaffirmed that all qualified presidential aspirants will freely contest when the party begins its selection process.