₦airaland Forum

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has linked an attack on Peter Obi and other party leaders to an earlier threat allegedly issued by the Edo State governor, describing the incident as a grave and disturbing development.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bolaji Abdullah, its spokesman, the ADC said the attack on Obi and leaders of the party occurred against the backdrop of warnings reportedly made last year cautioning Obi against visiting Edo State.

Today’s attack on Mr. Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress is a grave and disturbing development, especially in light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr. Obi not to come to Edo State,” the statement read.

The party added that it did not anticipate at the time that the alleged threat could “include an assassination plot,” stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.
According to the ADC, such actions are often deployed by those who fear the will of the people, warning that intimidation and violence undermine democratic values and freedoms.

"Violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people. Such actions stain our democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom,” Abdullah said.

Reaffirming its stance, the ADC declared that it would not be cowed by threats or attacks, insisting that it would continue its political activities peacefully.

The ADC will neither bow nor retreat. We will stand firm, speak without fear, and continue the peaceful struggle for a Nigeria where the opposition is not punished and every citizen is free,” the statement added.

Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, had earlier raised the alarm on how Obi, erstwhile National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and some chieftains of the ADC were allegedly attacked by suspected thugs in Edo.

According to him, this happened at the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata, gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party in the last Edo election, into the ADC.

Tanko said armed individuals followed them from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Oyegun.

They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger,” he had said in a statement.

The Edo State Government has denied allegations that it directed any of its agencies to attack former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, during his recent visit to the state.

Describing the claim as false, malicious and a distortion of facts, the government said no such directive was issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo or any organ of the state. Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Patrick Ebojele, in a statement issued on Monday night, said the Okpebholo administration would not engage in attacks against law-abiding Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.

According to the statement, no arm of the Edo State Government was instructed to target members of any political party. It added that the allegation was unsupported by credible evidence and appeared designed to mislead the public and heighten political tension.

It reads in part, “The statement recalled the Governor’s earlier position regarding high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he made it clear that his comments were purely guided by security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.


Governor Okpebholo had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.

For the avoidance of doubt, just yesterday, Monday,23 February,a faction of the ADC led by former Chief Whip of the Senate,Roland Owie, were shut out of a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun’s due to internal crisis within the party and was only resolved following a detachment of armed police officers to restore peace.

It is now evident that the ADC and by extension Peter Obi is mischievous and making efforts to cast aspersion on the good things that this administration is doing. It only suggests to us that Peter Obi is synonymous with violence and the state government will not condole such acts.

The Edo State Government therefore urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity. The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.

The government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice Presidential candidate for the Labour Party has said that he would oppose anyone who would be contesting against Peter Obi in the 2027 election.

Baba-Ahmed while speaking in an interview on Trust Television noted while he might have the ambition to vie for the president of Nigeria, he does not think there is a better candidate than Obi.

A running mate to Obi in the 2023 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed said he would like the former Anambra governor to take over the affairs of the nation.

He said, “If Peter Obi is contesting, I will oppose someone challenging him, even if that someone is myself, I will oppose myself to challenge Peter Obi.”

Speaking further, Baba-Ahmed noted that is only desire for Nigeria is that the growing insecurity and incessant killings across the nation are nipped in the bud.

He also expressed deep concern over the countless ransacking of villages, destruction of homes and property by terrorists and bandits alike.

According to him, it is inappropriate for the “bad people” to continue to misrule Nigerians.

I would like Peter Obi to win again in 2027. My main ambition is to stop the killings, I don’t want every time I read in the newspaper, there is a new dimension to the insecurity.

There are some villages sacked, some place in Benue State in Plateau State. I don’t like that kind of news and I just cannot sit down and let – I don’t want to use the word now – and let bad people continue to misrule us,” Baba-Ahmed said.

A former aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has alleged that there are clear indications that Peter Obi and his supporters may be pushing for the adoption of direct primaries within the African Democratic Congress, ADC.


Ahmad’s comment comes as the National Assembly removed the option of direct primaries for all political parties in Nigeria.

The amendment was assented to on Thursday by President Bola Tinubu, effectively ending the provision for direct primaries in Nigeria’s electoral framework.

Reacting, Ahmad posted on X: “There were clear indications that Peter Obi and his supporters were pushing for the adoption of direct primaries within the ADC.

The National Assembly erased the option of direct primaries for all political parties and the amendment was today assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

Former Kaduna Governor and ADC Front liner, Nasir El-Rufai has reacted to the OccupyNASS Protests that held earlier today at the National Assembly Complex.

Tthe protest which is against the Senate’s refusal to assent to Electronic Transmission of Results in the Amended Electoral Act, witnessed a huge turnout and was led by Former Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking on the Development in an Interview on Monday, El-Rufai stated that he would have joined Obi in the protest alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was trying to manipulate the 2027 General Elections through the Senate.

He disclosed that the Tinubu Administration would not win in 2027 without manipulating the Electoral Process.

“I would have joined Peter Obi to protest at the National Assembly if I were in the country. Real-time electronic transmission stops rigging, and it was passed by the House of Representatives, but the Senate is sadly frustrating it because the ruling party (APC) know they can’t win the election.”

The 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a grave setback to Nigeria’s democracy and a deliberate attempt to undermine electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made his position known in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.

According to him, the Senate’s refusal to adopt compulsory electronic transmission of results amounts to “an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation” and a direct assault on democratic principles.

This failure to pass a clear safeguard is nothing short of a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Obi said, adding that by rejecting transparency measures, lawmakers were weakening the foundation of credible elections.

He questioned the true purpose of government, asking whether it exists to ensure justice and order or to institutionalise chaos for the benefit of a few individuals.

Obi argued that the controversies, disputes and alleged irregularities that characterised previous elections, particularly the 2023 general election, were largely a result of the failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results.

He dismissed claims of technical “glitches” during the elections as excuses, noting that several African countries have successfully adopted electronic transmission to strengthen their democratic systems.

While other African nations are moving forward, Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, continues to lag behind, dragging itself and the continent backwards,” he said.

Obi further warned that rejecting mandatory electronic transmission entrenches disorder and confusion aimed at perpetuating the interests of a small clique, urging leaders to reflect on the future of the country and the wellbeing of the next generation.

Referring to past remarks by international leaders, Obi noted that Nigeria often reacts angrily to criticism but continues to validate such assessments through actions that oppose transparency and reform.

When we were called a ‘now disgraced nation,’ we were offended. Yet, with every act of resistance against reform, we continue to confirm those labels,” he said.

He cautioned that the alleged irregularities witnessed during the 2023 elections must not be repeated in 2027, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles.

Obi also urged the international community to pay close attention to what he described as groundwork being laid for future electoral manipulation, warning that it poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy and development.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with the National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP Yabagi Yusuf Sani, and other senior executives.

The meeting reportedly took place on Saturday at Atiku’s residence in Abuja.

The meeting is coming on the heels of rumours of an alliance between some opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

There are rumours that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso may get the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

The move may not favour Atiku, who is also eyeing the ADC presidential ticket.

However, the ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf said the meeting with Atiku was not about a merger with any party.

He also stated that the engagement was not about recruiting any individual into the ADP.

Peter Obi, a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has signaled his plan to seek the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He revealed this ambition while addressing supporters at a campaign event for the ADC candidates in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council elections, which took place at the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.

In his remarks, Obi made it clear that he is aiming for the top position and would not settle for a subordinate role in the party’s long-term political strategy.

He stressed that the AMAC election is closely tied to his wider political aspirations and called on party faithful and local residents to throw their weight behind the ADC candidate.

According to Obi, success in the AMAC poll would play a crucial role in advancing his political mission, adding that his involvement in the coming elections is as a leading contender and not in a supporting capacity.

“This coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support in AMAC is critical to our journey. I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you,” Obi said.

Obi’s supporters, particularly members of the Obidient Movement, have intensified pressure on the ADC leadership to adopt him as the party’s standard-bearer for 2027, with many insisting that the ticket should go to Obi alone.

However, the ADC is hosting several other high-profile politicians with presidential ambitions, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Her endorsement is seen as a major political signal within the opposition coalition and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is preparing for its presidential primaries.

Mrs. Anyawu-Akeredolu made her position known through a message shared on her verified X handle on Friday, which was sighted by POLITICS NIGERIA.

She reacted to a post that linked her with support for Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement. In a brief response, she wrote: “Obi or nothing.

Her statement has stirred reactions across political circles, especially within the ADC, where several leaders and groups are pushing different interests for the 2027 ticket.

The endorsement comes at a time when supporters of Peter Obi and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are locked in debates over who should lead the coalition into the next general election.

Obi’s supporters have increased pressure on the ADC to zone its presidential ticket to the South. They argue that the region should produce the party’s flagbearer in the interest of fairness and national balance.

The Labour Party in Rivers State has officially collapsed its structure into the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Chairman of the party, Gogo Wellington, made this known alongside other party stalwarts at a press conference on Monday.

Wellington urged all members of the party and the Obidient Movement in Rivers State to channel all their support to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

It further reports that Obi, who is a member of the coalition of opposition leaders plotting to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, recently defected to ADC, the party adopted by the coalition.

Addressing party members on Monday, Wellington urge LP supporters “in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to join our leader, Mr Peter Obi in the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The deteriorating situation of our economy, worsening insecurity have made it evident that the time to rescue this nation is now or never.

“We call on all members of Obidient Movement to join the coalition for a better Nigeria.”

Ambassador-designate and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has accused Peter Obi, a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of being desperate to become Nigeria’s president “at all costs.”

Omokri alleged that Obi has been capitalising on recent fire incidents across different parts of the country to criticise the Federal Government, while allegedly failing to acknowledge similar tragedies in the South-East.

Writing on X, Omokri claimed that Obi often draws attention to fire outbreaks outside the Igbo-speaking region but remains noticeably quiet when comparable incidents occur within his home area.


He pointed to two separate fire disasters in Anambra State, one at Trano Rentals Hotel in Isuaniocha, Awka North, on January 1, and another during a Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, on December 30, 2025, which reportedly resulted in multiple deaths.

According to Omokri, Obi did not publicly react to either incident.


In contrast, he said Obi openly commented on fire outbreaks in Lagos, Kano, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto, a trend Omokri described as selective and politically driven.

Omokri further accused Obi of promoting ethnic and regional divisions in his commentary, arguing that many of the fire incidents were caused by environmental conditions rather than failures of governance.

He described Obi as a “tribal irredentist,” alleging that Obi’s quest for political power has diminished his ability to express sincere sympathy without attaching blame.


In his remarks, Omokri said Obi’s reference to a perceived “increase” in fire incidents amounted to an attempt to score political points, adding that instead of offering compassion to victims, Obi chose to direct blame at the government for incidents he claimed were largely influenced by environmental factors.

He wrote: “Peter Obi blaming “surge” of fire incidents on the government is a sad display of your tribalism, sectionalism, desperation and ignorance.

But because of your desperation to be President at all costs, including the de-marketing of Nigeria, you chose to blame the government for what the environment is responsible for.

The Labour Party, LP, has officially recognized Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as its national leader and extended its best wishes to the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his move to the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This was disclosed by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, in a communique. It stated that the decision was reached during a meeting of the Labour Party National Working Committee (NWC) on Wednesday. The meeting focused on issues related to the party’s stability, growth, and strategic direction.

The NWC, in a unanimous decision, affirms its recognition of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, as the National Leader of the Labour Party,” the communique partly read. The National leadership of the Labour Party wishes His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi success in his future political endeavors and in his new political affiliation.”

The party also announced that former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman has been recognized as its National Chairman. LP emphasized that it upholds the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman had expired.


The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Usman and Secretary Nwokocha all rights and privileges as stipulated by the court’s decision. The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall proceed in strict compliance with the Party Constitution. Members at all levels are encouraged to actively participate in these congress processes,” the communique added.

LP expressed gratitude to its members and the Nigerian public for their continued support and confidence, reaffirming that the party remains united, indivisible, and steadfast in its mission to build a Nigeria grounded in equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance.

I just arrived at the New Event Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, for the Tambuwal Colloquium—Leadership, Service and Statesmanship at 60, to mark the 60th birthday of H.E. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, @AWTambuwal, Mutawallen Sokoto. -AA