Peter Obi: Obidients Not in ADC Are ‘Dis-Obidients’ — Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said members of the Obidient Movement who have not joined the party are no longer true supporters of Peter Obi.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Okonkwo argued that loyalty to Obi now requires membership of the ADC, following the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s move to the party.

“If you listen to his interview on X Space, he said all the Obidients should go and register as members of the ADC. So if you are an Obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an Obidient; you are a disobedient,” Okonkwo said.

He added that Obi’s decision marked a shift from his earlier political strategy.

“When I was in the Labour Party, I said it was a tactical mistake telling your followers they could join all political parties. I am glad that my brother, Peter Obi, has changed that tactic,” he said.

On Tuesday, Obi officially defected to the coalition-backed ADC, saying he was ready to work with like-minded Nigerians to oppose electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming Obi to the party, Okonkwo said the ADC was committed to internal democracy and discipline, adding that no individual was allowed to impose conditions before joining.

“Anybody you see in the ADC is allowed to join on one condition: you must be a true democrat. ADC will not compromise on internal democracy and adherence to democratic principles,” he said.

Okonkwo also stated that he would support whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate in 2027.

“Peter Obi is an ADC member. We work with every ADC member. Whoever emerges as the ADC presidential candidate, I will work for that person. I don’t have any personal rift with anyone,” he said.

He further claimed that political support in the South-East had largely shifted to the ADC.

“The South-East has gone ADC. Any other politician who is not in the ADC and wants to work for another party is working for Tinubu,” Okonkwo added.