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The recent development of Peter Obi joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics. This coalition represents a genuine opportunity to present a formidable challenge to the ruling administration in 2027. However, as we celebrate this progress, it is crucial to address a pattern of behavior that threatens to undermine this historic opportunity before it even takes flight.
To the Obidients, the passionate supporters of Peter Obi, this message comes not as criticism but as an appeal rooted in the shared desire for meaningful change in Nigeria. Your energy, dedication, and grassroots mobilization have been instrumental in reshaping Nigerian politics. But history has lessons we cannot afford to ignore, and the time has come to learn from past mistakes rather than repeat them.
The Ghost of PDP’s Divisions
We have seen this film before, and we know how it ends. The internal wrangling that plagued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent election cycles offers a cautionary tale. Divisive rhetoric about zoning, demands for certain candidates to step down, and the privileging of regional considerations over collective strategy contributed significantly to weakening what should have been a united front against the ruling party.
The ADC coalition was built on a foundation of openness and inclusivity. The promoters agreed that the party’s ticket would be thrown open to all eligible contenders, a democratic principle that ensures the best candidate emerges through a transparent process. Any attempt to renege on this agreement by insisting the ticket must be zoned to a particular region or demanding that specific individuals step down violates the spirit of this coalition and betrays the trust of all stakeholders involved.
Why Divisive Rhetoric Is Counterproductive
When Obidients insist that Atiku Abubakar should step down for Peter Obi, or demand that the ticket be exclusively zoned to the South, several damaging consequences follow:
It alienates potential allies: Political coalitions succeed when diverse groups find common ground. Demands that exclude certain regions or individuals send a message that some Nigerians matter more than others in this struggle. This is precisely the opposite of the inclusive politics we need.
It breeds resentment and mistrust: Other members of the coalition who have invested time, resources, and political capital into building this platform will rightfully feel disrespected when told their preferred candidates are unwelcome. Trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild.
It provides ammunition to opponents: The ruling party benefits immensely from opposition disunity. Every divisive statement from within the coalition is a gift to those who wish to see it fail. Our opponents are watching, waiting, and ready to exploit any crack in our foundation.
It contradicts the very principles of fairness and democracy: If we claim to be fighting for a better Nigeria built on democratic values, we cannot simultaneously demand that democratic processes be circumvented to favor our preferred candidate. The hypocrisy will not be lost on discerning Nigerians.
The Strength of the Coalition
With Peter Obi now part of the ADC coalition, the opposition is better positioned than ever to mount a serious challenge in 2027. Obi brings with him a dedicated base, particularly among young Nigerians and voters in the Southeast and parts of the South-South. The coalition also benefits from the experience, nationwide network, and Northern support base that figures like Atiku command.
This diversity is not a weakness; it is our greatest strength: A coalition that can appeal to voters across Nigeria’s complex ethnic, regional, and religious divides stands a far better chance of victory than one that represents narrow interests.
The mathematics of Nigerian politics requires building bridges, not burning them. No single region or ethnic group can win the presidency alone. Victory in 2027 will require a candidate who can unite various constituencies, and that candidate should emerge through a process that all stakeholders respect.
A Path Forward
The way forward is clear, and it requires discipline, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the greater good:
Respect the coalition agreement. Honor the commitment to an open ticket. Let all eligible candidates contest, and let the most capable emerge through democratic means. If Peter Obi is indeed the best candidate, and many believe he is, this will become evident through a fair process.
Focus on electoral preparedness: Instead of internal squabbles, channel your energy into voter registration drives, grassroots mobilization, poll monitoring training, and coalition building at the local level. These activities will determine victory far more than social media arguments about zoning.
Build bridges, not walls: Engage respectfully with supporters of other potential candidates within the coalition. Find common ground. Remember that after the primaries, you will need these same people to campaign enthusiastically for whoever emerges as the candidate.
Learn from 2023: The last presidential election showed that fragmentation of the opposition vote benefits only the ruling party. A united opposition with a consensus candidate stands a much better chance. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
Trust the process: If Peter Obi is meant to be the candidate, a fair and open process will reveal this. If another candidate emerges, be prepared to support them with the same passion you’ve shown for Obi. The goal is to remove the current administration, not simply to install one particular individual.
The Stakes Are Too High
Nigeria cannot afford another four years of poor governance due to opposition disunity. The economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians, the security challenges ravaging communities, the brain drain decimating our professional class are not abstract political talking points. They are real crises affecting real people who are counting on the opposition to present a viable alternative.
The ADC coalition represents hope for these Nigerians. But hope alone does not win elections. Strategic thinking, unity of purpose, and disciplined execution do. The Obidients have already demonstrated their capacity for organization and mobilization. Now is the time to demonstrate political maturity and strategic wisdom.
Conclusion
To the Obidients: Your passion is commendable, your dedication is inspiring, and your role in this coalition is invaluable. Peter Obi’s membership in the ADC strengthens the coalition immensely. But strength can be squandered through indiscipline and divisiveness.
The choice before you is clear: will you be remembered as the movement that helped bring transformative change to Nigeria through unity and strategic thinking, or as the group whose divisive rhetoric destroyed yet another golden opportunity to rescue Nigeria?
The promoters of the ADC coalition have laid a foundation based on openness and inclusivity. Build on that foundation rather than undermining it. Let the best candidate emerge through a fair process, and then rally behind that candidate with everything you have.
Victory in 2027 is achievable, but only if we prioritize unity over division, strategy over rhetoric, and collective success over individual preferences. The time for destructive internal wrangling is over. The time for focused, united action is now.
Nigeria is watching. History is watching. Make the right choice.
Kunle Oshobi, Director for Planning and Strategy, The Narrative Force, writes from Lagos.
SB E-news.
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