Rising Tension in ADC as Rumours Swirl Over Peter Obi’s Possible Move to Action Alliance Ahead of 2027 Elections

There is growing disquiet within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid widespread speculation that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may once again be on the move, this time to the Action Alliance (AA) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to media reports over the weekend, the former Governor of Anambra State is allegedly considering dumping the ADC, a relatively new platform he recently aligned with, in favour of the Action Alliance, a move that has sent ripples through both camps.

Responding to the speculation, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and close associate of Peter Obi, told the Nigerian Tribune that he was unaware of any such plan by the former presidential candidate.

He said: “At the moment, it isn’t on my desk. I know he still has a good working relationship with leadership of the coalition. We will wait till after the governorship election in Anambra State.”

Dr. Tanko further emphasized that the ADC must respect the zoning principle, insisting that the party’s presidential ticket should go to the South.

“We have made our position known; the ADC must be all-inclusive. If you are looking for a presidential candidate, it must be from the South,” he said.

When asked whether Obi might reconsider his position should the ADC decide to throw the presidential ticket open to all regions, Dr. Tanko noted: “If ADC doesn’t zone, it is within his (Obi’s) right to decide what to do.”

However, sources close to the former Anambra governor revealed that the possibility of Obi seeking another political platform “should not be foreclosed.”

An aide, who preferred anonymity, said: “Is it a crime to seek another platform? From what is on the ground in ADC, it will be difficult for him to make headway. Everyone knows who is likely to emerge as ADC candidate. So, no one should blame Peter Obi if he decides to walk away from a trap,” he argued.

The aide could not confirm whether Action Alliance (AA) was the preferred destination, but hinted that the former Labour Party flag bearer was already weighing his options carefully.

Inside the ADC, reactions have been mixed. A member of the party’s interim National Working Committee (NWC) disclosed to Nigerian Tribune that the leadership was not surprised by Obi’s alleged moves.

The party official, however, dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also a former presidential candidate of the PDP had emerged as the preferred choice for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.

He accused Obi of being unwilling to subject himself to democratic processes. He said: “What kind of democrat is he that he is running away from primary?

“We have done everything to appease him to stay, to build this coalition. We asked him to submit his choice for the office of National Organising Secretary! That’s the most important position in the party. We have done everything to appease him. If he now feels that he can’t get what he wants, he is free to go.”

In a surprising revelation, the national officer also disclosed that Obi had suggested that the ADC presidential candidate should emerge through an opinion poll, instead of a delegate-based convention, to determine the most popular aspirant.

He said: “For us, we are not desperate to have him. We want to build a formidable opposition party where discipline is instilled and members subordinate themselves to party organs.

“We have a party to build and we can’t continue to pander to his demands. The feat he recorded in the last general elections was as a result of disaffection that trailed the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket. Those who galvanised support for him are no longer with him.”

Meanwhile, Chief Chekwas Okorie, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), also weighed in on the controversy, stating that Obi “knew he stood no realistic chance of clinching the ADC presidential ticket.”

He told Nigerian Tribune in a telephone interview: “For all I know, he has never been a card-carrying member of the party. Yes, everybody knows he has been romancing the party, attending their meetings but he hasn’t declared formally.

“He has announced to Nigerians through his X handle, which I read, that he would formally announce a political platform in November. He was definite that he will run for President.

“Peter Obi knows that if he pitches his tent in ADC, he can’t win. The ADC candidate will emerge through a delegate process and he can’t muster the number. What’s the total number of local government in Southeast?

“Yes, he has become a beautiful bride being courted by two or more political parties, especially the PDP.

“So, let us wait till November. All I know is that 2027 will be a three-horse race: Atiku will certainly pick ADC ticket, the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will emerge as APC candidate and Peter Obi in another party.”

As the rumour mill continues to churn, analysts say the coming weeks, particularly Obi’s expected announcement in November 2025 will determine whether the former LP standard-bearer will stay within the ADC fold, return to a familiar political structure, or chart a new course entirely toward 2027.