As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has raised concerns over former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, possibly pulling out of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
The group believes Obi is considering leaving the alliance due to fears he may not secure the presidential ticket.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, SELF claimed to have reliable information that Obi could abandon the ADC coalition in a move reminiscent of his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to its 2022 presidential primary.
The group warned that if Obi insists on pressuring the coalition to zone the presidential ticket to the South, it may provoke reactions from Northern political blocs, who could push back against what they see as Southern dominance of the presidency over the past 18 years.
SELF also questioned Obi’s reluctance to participate in competitive internal party elections under the ADC coalition, which is chaired by former Senate President David Mark.
They urged the ADC leadership not to succumb to regional pressures, but rather to allow all members to contest fairly.
“We note that Mr. Peter Obi and his Obedient movement, in recent times, have resorted to threatening and blackmailing the leadership of the coalition.”
“We make bold to tell the former Anambra governor that such strategy will not work, in fact, it has failed woefully,” the group said.
The forum further criticized Obi’s political history, suggesting he has repeatedly avoided primaries and sought uncontested tickets.
“Records have shown that Mr. Obi has a history of running away from primary elections, which is a major aspect of democratic culture.”
“If Mr. Obi claims to be a democrat, why is he always avoiding primary elections? Why is he looking for a free presidential ticket? He did that as a governor and, as recently as 2023, Mr. Obi abandoned PDP when it was time for the primary election.”
SELF emphasized its commitment to preserving democratic values and holding leaders accountable:
“As a forum of professionals and emerging leaders, we will not fold our hands and tolerate Peter Obi frustrating the ongoing arrangements to rescue our nation and have a credible alternative to the APC.”
The statement continued with a sharp rebuke of what the forum described as Obi’s self-righteous political posture:
“We hereby call on Mr. Peter Obi to stop his pretentious lifestyle, as if he is a saint or the only Messiah Nigeria is waiting for. If Mr. Obi wants to participate in a democratic contest, he should respect the rules of the game.”
“Though he has never fought for or contributed to the development of the democratic process in Nigeria, so he does not know what it takes.”
“Obi and his Obedients should learn early that democracy is about contest, not about free lunch or free ticket. It is not about blackmail.”
According to the forum, it has credible information that Obi may have already secured another political platform, which he could unveil soon:
“If Obi is looking for where he will be given a free presidential ticket, the door is open. Although we have gathered reliably that Mr. Obi has secured another platform, which he will soon unveil to contest in 2027, it is high time the leaders of the ADC coalition do not sleep with their two eyes closed.”
“We are making it public that Peter Obi is not ready to cooperate and work with coalition leaders.”
Nevertheless, SELF urged the ADC coalition to ensure transparency and fairness in its selection process:
“We are appealing that the ADC national leadership should ensure a credible and transparent primary election that will produce an acceptable candidate.”
“Whoever wins the primary should be supported by all. If it is Peter Obi, if he still remains in the coalition, he should not be denied the massive support.”
