Stop Threatening the Coalition – South-South Emerging Leaders Warn Peter Obi

The South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has issued a strong warning to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urging him to desist from making divisive statements about the recently formed Coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement released Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the group accused Obi of attempting to manipulate the Coalition’s leadership into zoning the presidential ticket to the South. SELF argued that if Obi continues with such tactics, the North has equal right to demand the ticket, having not yet completed its fair share of presidential leadership, which they claim the South has dominated for 18 years.

The Forum also alleged that Obi’s current posturing mirrors his previous political maneuvers, particularly his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just before its presidential primary in 2022. SELF questioned Obi’s reluctance to engage in open and transparent primaries, describing it as a consistent pattern of avoiding internal democratic processes.

According to the Forum, “Mr. Obi and his Obidient movement have recently resorted to blackmail and threats against the leadership of the Coalition. We want to make it clear to the former Anambra Governor that this strategy has already failed.”

The statement further criticized Obi’s political history, accusing him of repeatedly seeking “free tickets” instead of earning nominations through democratic means. The group stated that such behavior undermines the credibility and unity of the Coalition and could derail the broader efforts to build a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

SELF called on the ADC leadership, headed by former Senate President David Mark, to resist pressure from any quarters attempting to zone the party’s presidential ticket. The group insisted that a transparent and fair primary should be held, and whoever emerges—Obi included, if he remains part of the Coalition—should be supported by all stakeholders.

The Forum concluded by alleging that Obi may already be preparing to leave the Coalition and contest the 2027 elections under another platform. It urged Coalition leaders to remain vigilant and ensure the unity and democratic integrity of the group are preserved.