The Digest:
The African Democratic Congress is experiencing internal fractures due to demands from supporters of Peter Obi, known as Obidients, that he must be the party's presidential candidate in the 2027 election. Key Obi allies, including Aisha Yesufu and Prof. Pat Utomi, have vowed to oppose the party if he runs as a vice-presidential candidate. This stance has created tension with other factions, particularly supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. ADC leaders express concern that this "Obi or nothing" attitude is divisive and could undermine the party's chances, while Obidient coordinators assert they are merely promoting their candidate democratically.
Key Points:
- The rigid demand threatens to fragment the opposition coalition before a candidate is even selected, weakening its overall challenge.
- The internal conflict risks alienating other key constituencies and leaders necessary for a broad-based electoral victory.
- The situation tests the ADC's capacity to manage a competitive primary process without damaging its unity and public image.
- The standoff reflects a deeper strategic clash between passionate movement politics and traditional coalition-building.
- How the party resolves this tension will signal its operational discipline and viability as a genuine alternative to the APC.
Sources: Sunday PUNCH, Vanguard
