“Obidients Are Not Helping Peter Obi; Divisive Rhetoric Will Hurt His 2027 Chances” — ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned supporters of its presidential aspirants against promoting divisive narratives ahead of the party’s June primaries, saying such conduct could weaken electoral prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, gave the warning on Saturday during a live audio discussion on X in Abuja, focused on the state of the nation and internal party dynamics.

Mr Abdullahi said slogans and rhetoric framing the contest as “Peter Obi or nothing” were counterproductive and risked narrowing the former Anambra governor’s national appeal.

“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are not helping him,” he said. “They promote division, restrict outreach, and harden positions that are critical for building the broad support needed to win elections across regions.”

Supporters of Mr Obi are commonly referred to as “Obidients.”

According to Mr Abdullahi, divisive messaging by supporters of any aspirant ultimately benefits the All Progressives Congress (APC), weakening opposition efforts to present a united front.

He disclosed that he had engaged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Obi, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai on the need to strengthen unity among opposition figures ahead of the next general elections.

Mr Abdullahi also spoke on the National Assembly’s proposal, made in October 2025, to conduct the 2027 general elections in 2026. He described the proposal as a double-edged sword for the ADC, noting that while early elections could favour the opposition due to public dissatisfaction with the current administration, they would also reduce the time needed to resolve internal disagreements.

“Whether elections hold this year or next year, it will work both for and against us as an opposition party,” he said.

He stressed that all aspirants within the ADC were qualified and cautioned against vilifying individuals or regions, arguing that such actions undermine efforts to build a cohesive party structure.

“We will ignore people creating exceptionality and focus on our work,” Mr Abdullahi said. “Our goal is to win elections credibly, peacefully, and inclusively across the country.”

The ADC spokesperson added that the party was taking the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory area council elections seriously, following its poor performance in the Anambra off-season governorship poll, and intended to make a stronger showing.

He also expressed concern over reports that some state governments were compelling civil servants to register as party members using their National Identification Numbers.