By Abiola Olawale
Fresh indications have emerged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition might be facing a fierce internal showdown between party leaders and the Obidient movement, supporters of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The New Diplomat reports that the ADC leaders and the Obidient movement are at loggerheads over the region that will secure the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
The controversy arose when Obidient leaders, echoing Obi’s own calls for southern completion of an eight-year rotational tenure, demanded ADC explicitly reserve the 2027 ticket for a southern candidate.
A statement issued by the National Coordinator of Obidients Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, accused the leadership of the ADC of broken promises.
Tanko also criticised the non-commitment of the ADC to zoning in the South.
He said: “As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket.
“Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
“We are equally interested in how the party zones its principal offices within the coalition, as this will ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity — factors that will enable us to mobilize effectively across the country.”
However, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC denied the allegations, maintaining the party has not made any promise to any coalition member.
Abdullahi also decried what he described as the highly divisive and destabilising remarks by Tanko, saying that it is misleading and confusing.
He said Tanko does not play any role in the coalition, doubting whether he consulted with Obi before making the statement.
Abdullahi added: “ADC leaders have not discussed zoning. How can we break a promise we have not made? Tanko’s view does not reflect Peter Obi’s position.”
