A powerful opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, but deep cracks are already emerging—particularly from supporters of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient Movement.
The coalition, which includes political heavyweights such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, recently held a major meeting in Abuja under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG). Key figures from across party lines, including former governors and ministers, were in attendance as discussions about adopting a political party continue.
Ralph Okey Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirmed that talks are ongoing and a decision on a party platform will be finalized within weeks.
Despite being a central figure in the coalition, Obi’s ambiguous political stance—declaring loyalty to the Labour Party “for now” while attending coalition meetings—has triggered backlash from Labour Party leadership.
Obiorah Ifoh, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, accused Obi of disregarding party protocols and said the coalition involvement without party consent is “distasteful and unacceptable.”
“We want Nigerians to know that the 2027 presidential ticket under Labour Party is open to any candidate,” Ifoh stressed.
Meanwhile, members of the Obidient Movement have drawn a firm line: they will only support Peter Obi if he emerges as the presidential candidate of the coalition—not a running mate. Dr. Katchy Ononuju, a founding member of the movement, stressed that Obi is the face of a massive grassroots following and cannot be relegated to a secondary role.
“Obi is the only one with real momentum and national acceptance,” Ononuju said. “He’s not just a politician; he represents the people’s hopes. Atiku, at nearly 80, should step aside and support a younger, more dynamic candidate like Obi.”
Ononuju warned that unless the coalition learns from PDP’s past mistakes—especially the failure to respect zoning—it risks repeating history.
“Zoning killed the opposition in 2023. If the South is to produce the next president, Obi is the clear choice,” he added.
Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam backed this view, calling Obi’s involvement a “calculated move” to increase his chances of winning the presidency.
“Obi may not repeat his 2023 performance if he contests solo again. The coalition gives him a real shot—if he leads it,” Idam noted.
As talks continue, the fate of the coalition hangs on whether it can unite behind one presidential candidate—and whether that candidate will be Peter Obi. For now, the Obidient Movement has made its stand clear: no Obi, no support.
