By Abiola Olawale
As the 2027 general elections approach, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised a warning regarding the “Obi or Nothing” sentiment prevailing within some segments of the opposition.
The party leadership cautioned that such a stance could fracture the budding coalition and ultimately hand an advantage back to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during the virtual ADC Coalition Hours on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi emphasized that while former Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi remains a pivotal figure in the national political landscape, the success of a “Mega Party” or coalition depends on institutional strength and consensus rather than a personality-driven ultimatum.
The “Obi or Nothing” movement—driven largely by the passionate “Obidient” base—insists that Peter Obi must lead any opposition ticket in 2027.
The National Publicity Secretary disclosed that he had met with coalition stakeholders to emphasise the need for unity, focus, and collective commitment to secure victory in the upcoming elections.
According to Abdullahi, “I spent time talking to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, who have indicated interest in vying for the presidential ticket of our party, as well as the likes of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to strengthen our party and unite it. The consensus is that we have a job to do to make this country a better place.
“Our leaders are all aware of the task ahead, and every one of them is committed to ensuring that we win this election.”
Speaking on the timing of the 2027 election, Abdullahi said, “Whether the elections take place this year or next year, it will be double work for us and could also work against us. It will work against us because, as an opposition, we need time to heal wounds after our primaries, as we cannot afford to go into bruised primaries and then quickly put ourselves together for the elections. On that note, we prefer next year.
“On the other hand, holding an election now has the advantage that people are already tired of this administration. But in all of this, we are not in a position to decide when the election will be held.”
He added, “Those supporting this divisiveness among supporters of any of the aspirants should stop what they are doing because they are clearly working to the advantage of the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
“Saying it is either this candidate or nothing is not helpful because getting the ticket alone means nothing. What is important is winning the election, and we cannot carry this divisiveness and expect to win.
“We believe that all our aspirants are eminently qualified, and vilifying anybody or any region is not helpful and will only make things more difficult. We are going to commence the process of strengthening unity and having our leaders speak with one voice.
“We are going to ignore people creating a sense of exceptionality and focus on what we are doing because we want to win this election.
“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are equally not helping him. They are preaching division, and they are not selling him. They are not providing room for people from other places to support him. They should stop making others take hard stances because everyone needs to be on board for us to win this election.”
