As the race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election gains momentum, tensions are brewing within the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is facing criticism from the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) for allegedly intimidating the coalition leadership.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by SELF’s national coordinator, Benjamin Kolowei, the group accused Obi and his supporters—popularly known as the Obidient movement—of attempting to manipulate the ADC’s internal processes, particularly in demanding the party’s presidential ticket be zoned to the South.
According to Kolowei, “Peter Obi appears to be applying undue pressure on the coalition, using threats and blackmail tactics to tilt the process in his favor. Democracy thrives on fairness and competition—not imposition.” He further warned that if the Southern bloc insists on dominance, the North may also mobilize for rotational equity, referencing the years the South has held the presidency.
SELF further alleged that Obi has a track record of avoiding competitive party primaries, as seen in 2022 when he exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its primary contest. The group called on the ADC’s national leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark, to resist any attempts to circumvent the democratic process.
The group urged: “Let ADC hold transparent primaries. If Obi wins, he should enjoy full support. But if not, he must show the democratic maturity to rally behind whoever emerges.”
This development follows the defection of both Obi and Atiku Abubakar from LP and PDP respectively, joining forces under ADC to present a unified front against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Peter Obi has yet to respond officially to these fresh allegations.
