BREAKING: Infighting in ADC Escalates as Arewa Group Shuts Its Door Against Peter Obi, Accuses Him of Insulting the North

The infighting within Nigeria’s opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated after a group identified as Arewa Source declared its opposition to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, accusing him of insulting the northern region.

 

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the group claimed that Obi’s supporters were his “biggest enemies” and alleged that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election had disrespected Northern Nigeria.

 

“The North will reject any ticket with Peter Obi on the ballot. Insulting Atiku Abubakar is the same as insulting the whole of Northern Nigeria,” the post read.

 

The remarks have further deepened political divisions as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where internal negotiations over presidential tickets are ongoing.

 

Growing rivalry within ADC

 

The ADC has become a major focal point for coalition talks involving supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The party is expected to conduct a highly competitive primary as aspirants seek to emerge as consensus candidates.

 

According to political sources, Atiku is facing increasing pressure from within and outside the party to step down for a younger candidate, with Obi and Kwankwaso increasingly being mentioned as a possible joint ticket option.

 

Reports also indicate that the Obidient movement and the Kwankwassiyya political bloc have been engaging in strategic discussions under a coalition structure referred to as the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement. Supporters of both figures are reportedly pushing for a unified front against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

 

Pressure on Atiku to step aside

 

Atiku Abubakar, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, has continued to assert that he remains one of the most experienced contenders within the ADC coalition. However, debates over generational leadership and electoral viability have fueled calls for him to consider stepping aside.

 

Some stakeholders, including Senator Victor Umeh, have publicly argued that younger aspirants should be given a chance to lead, while others insist Atiku’s national experience and northern political base remain critical assets.

 

Media analyst Jimi Disu also weighed in, suggesting that Atiku could enhance his political legacy by supporting a younger candidate, warning that a Tinubu–Atiku rematch in 2027 could produce a predictable outcome.

 

Obasanjo factor and opposition strategy

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has also been linked to ongoing efforts to shape a united opposition front. Reports suggest he is backing discussions around an Obi–Kwankwaso arrangement while advocating broader coalition unity against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Political insiders say the renewed push for alliances is aimed at preventing a repeat of the fragmented opposition that characterized the 2023 elections.

 

Deepening divisions among supporters

 

The emerging coalition talks have, however, sparked sharp disagreements among supporters of the key political figures.

 

An online supporter of Atiku, AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, warned that there could be nationwide protests if Atiku is pressured to step down for another candidate, insisting that Nigerians should not be denied what he described as “another chance at good governance.”

 

His comments triggered backlash from Obi–Kwankwaso supporters, who argue that only a united front led by Obi can deliver electoral victory for the ADC.

 

Adding to the controversy, another Arewa Source post insisted that the northern region would reject any presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and warned against perceived insults directed at Atiku.

 

Calls for calm within opposition ranks

 

In response to the growing war of words, ADC chieftain Austin Okai has urged supporters of all factions to exercise restraint, warning that escalating political rhetoric could damage ongoing coalition efforts.

 

He called for unity and cautioned that internal divisions could weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

As negotiations continue, the battle for the ADC presidential ticket appears set to become one of the most closely watched political contests in Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape.