I Dissociate Myself From Those Calling Other ADC Leaders Bad Names —Peter Obi Condemns Attacks on Coalition Partners
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has publicly condemned supporters who engage in personal attacks and name-calling against other leaders within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, describing such individuals as “criminal elements” intent on damaging his political brand and the broader unity effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a video clip circulating widely on social media, Obi made the remarks amid growing tensions in the fragile opposition alliance that includes figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other prominent politicians who have coalesced under the ADC platform following strategic defections and realignments in late 2025.
“I dissociate myself from those calling other leaders in the coalition bad names,” Obi stated clearly in the footage.
“These are criminal elements who are trying to hurt the Peter Obi brand.”
The statement comes as the ADC coalition works to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi, who defected to the ADC late last year after parting ways with the Labour Party, has been actively engaging with party structures, including recent meetings with state chairmen and campaign activities such as his visit to Zuba Market to mobilize support for local ADC candidates in upcoming elections.
The video, originally shared by user @emmaikumeh on X (formerly Twitter), quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of views, likes, reposts, and replies within hours.
Many supporters praised Obi’s call for decorum, viewing it as a necessary step to prevent internal sabotage.
Obi’s intervention echoes earlier appeals for discipline within the coalition.
In late December 2025, coalition figures like Mallam Jabir had warned that any supporter attacking fellow members—whether aligned with Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, or others—should be seen as an “enemy of our collective cause” and as indirectly aiding the APC.
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The remarks highlight persistent challenges in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, where personal loyalties, regional interests, and online activism often clash with the need for collaboration.
Some Obidient supporters have faced criticism for aggressive online rhetoric targeting potential coalition partners, while rival factions within and outside the ADC have questioned the viability of unity tickets or leadership arrangements.
Political analysts note that Obi’s firm stance may help reinforce his image as a principled leader focused on constructive engagement rather than division, especially as speculation continues about possible joint tickets or power-sharing formulas involving Atiku and others for 2027.
As the opposition intensifies efforts to challenge Bola Tinubu’s administration—often described by critics as sliding toward one-party dominance—the ability to maintain internal cohesion will be crucial.
