A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed Nigeria’s political landscape following revelations surrounding the involvement of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the opposition coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). It has emerged that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, was allegedly tricked into joining the coalition by its proponents.
This development comes as indications suggest that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as a key contender for the ADC coalition’s presidential ticket in 2027. Tori Express observed hints from Atiku that he would contest in the next general election. Speaking at a function, Atiku reportedly declared, “I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished.”
Adding another layer to the unfolding political drama, Peter Obi himself has disclosed plans to run for a single term, after which he would hand over power. “I have not joined in any form of discussion on joint tickets, including with Atiku,” Obi stated. “If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office on the 28th of May 2031; not the 29th, but the 28th.”
Obi Tricked into Coalition, Claims Ex-Aide
The most startling revelation comes from Katchy Ononuju, who served as Peter Obi’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the 2023 presidential election. Ononuju alleged that the former Anambra governor was deceived into joining the coalition with the promise of emerging as its presidential candidate.
Speaking with Tori Express, Ononuju elaborated on the alleged deception, stating that Obi was persuaded to join on the understanding that after the coalition’s inauguration, the terms of his presidency would be negotiated.
“The coalition was just a trick,” Ononuju asserted. “They tricked Peter Obi, saying don’t worry, go and register, go, let us inaugurate. We will zone to the South and after the inauguration declaration, we will now start negotiating on the terms of you being the presidential candidate. I told him that these people are tricking; they are not proper.”
Ononuju further revealed his integral role in the inception of the ‘Obidient Movement’. “By the way, I served as Peter Obi’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the last election. I and Doyin Okupe founded the youth movement from the PDP,” he explained. “We decided that we would not allow the party to run away from inclusion which is driven by zoning. After several pleadings, we convinced Peter Obi to head what we were doing. That is why it became the Obidient Movement.”
He emphasized his commitment to the movement’s core principles, stating, “I would not allow what I founded to be reduced to nothing and that is why I told Peter Obi that I and my people would not support him if he ever submitted to anything that we do not believe will allow our aspirations to be given expression. You know that when you are Vice President you are nothing. Look at Shettima; remember the days of Goodluck; look at Osinbajo. It does not work that way.”
The claims of deception coupled with Atiku Abubakar’s potential emergence and Obi’s single-term pledge set a complex and potentially turbulent stage for the 2027 presidential race within the opposition forces.
