₦airaland Forum

A socio-political group, the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF), has cautioned former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against making divisive remarks or threatening the newly formed opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the group accused Obi of lacking genuine commitment to the coalition, alleging that he is already plotting to abandon it, similar to his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries.

SELF further warned Obi against allegedly blackmailing the coalition to zone the presidential ticket to the South, stating that such actions could trigger agitation from the North to complete the 18 years it claims the South has held the presidency.

The statement reads, “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 dare to tell the former Anambra Governor that such a strategy will not work; it has failed woefully.

“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 the primary election? 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.

“As a forum of professionals and emerging leaders, we will not fold our hands and tolerate Peter Obi to frustrate the ongoing arrangements to rescue our Nation and have a credible alternative to the APC.

“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 or contributed to the development of the democratic process in Nigeria, he does not know what it takes.

“Obi and his Obidients should learn early that democracy is about contest, not about free lunch or free tickets. It is not about blackmail.

“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 where 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.”

The group called on the David Mark-led ADC leadership not to bow to any pressure to zone the ticket of the party to any zone, adding that Nigerians should be allowed to decide what they want.

“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 remains in the coalition, he should not be denied the massive support,” the statement said.

“If Obi is looking for where he will be given a free presidential ticket, the door is open.

“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 the primary election? 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.

“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.

Maxymilliano:
You can only get this kind of distorted news from The Nation Newspaper

givedemwotowoto:
Bloggers are having a field day twisting and turning words around, including giving faceless Baalablu undercover groups airtime. Undercover Tilumbu groups representing all political parties and regions whenever convenient.

EvilMerodack:
You guys don't do creative logical argument, just the usual tired and stale "they've been paid to do this" comment

Those who left the Earth to the space in 2022 and returned mid 2025 wouldnt be impressed seeing same unoriginal rhetorics

Pakute:
https://thenationonlineng.net/stop-threatening-the-coalition-group-warns-peter-obi/

TimeManager:
While Atiku's groups in the North are issuing their warnings to Peter Obi, Amaechi's groups in the SS are issuing theirs. Obi has only two options - get in and get stuck or get out. The fact that they told him the door is open suggests they don't need him more than he needs them.


-Kiss the truth!

Amumaigwe:
Subterfuge. Voice of Easu, hand of Jacob. The North should try harder.

ImmaculateJOE:
Faceless group.

But then, it will do South-South coalition members a lot of good if PO emerges as ADC Presidential candidate.
Many of those seeking to become Senators, House Members and Govs can have a good shot especially now that PDP is dead.

For instance, Tonye can easily win Rivers State Governor with Obi and Ameachi's support.

TimeManager:
While Atiku's groups in the North are issuing their warnings to Peter Obi, Amaechi's groups in the SS are issuing theirs. Obi has only two options - get in and get stuck or get out. The fact that they told him the door is open suggests they don't need him more than he needs them.


-Kiss the truth!

Pakute:
https://thenationonlineng.net/stop-threatening-the-coalition-group-warns-peter-obi/

Pakute:
https://thenationonlineng.net/stop-threatening-the-coalition-group-warns-peter-obi/

Pakute:
https://thenationonlineng.net/stop-threatening-the-coalition-group-warns-peter-obi/

EvilMerodack:
You guys don't do creative logical argument, just the usual tired and stale "they've been paid to do this" comment


Those who left the Earth to the space in 2022 and returned mid 2025 wouldnt be impressed seeing same unoriginal rhetorics

Tjra:
Obi knows the coalition only wants to use him. He will eventually leave LP and contest on a new platform.

Once he loses again as expected, he will permanently retire from Politics.

Tinubumustgo:



I expect the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) to debunk this news by the time Obi gets their time.