The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth Vanguard has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, against pulling out of the ADC-led opposition coalition if he fails to secure the coalition’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Vanguard’s coordinator, Comrade Abayomi Bello, the group warned that any decision by Obi to abandon the coalition over personal interest would amount to “political suicide.”
According to the statement, the Youth Vanguard expressed concerns over recent reports suggesting Obi might leave the ADC coalition if the presidential ticket does not favour him. The group argued that such a move would contradict the very principles for which Obi is known.
“Peter Obi has built a reputation as a selfless leader who puts the country first. Leaving the ADC coalition simply because things don’t go his way would contradict everything he has stood for,” the statement read.
“We doubt that Mr. Tanko actually has Peter Obi’s mandate to say what he said,” the group noted, in reference to recent comments made by Yunusa Tanko, the former spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
The group further reminded Nigerians of Obi’s history of switching political parties, from APGA to PDP and then to Labour Party, warning that another shift could damage his credibility.
“If Mr. Obi leaves the ADC coalition too soon, he may lose the trust of his supporters, weaken alliances, and disappoint young Nigerians who are already disillusioned by a fragmented opposition,” the group said.
The youth wing urged Obi to instead remain within the coalition, mentor younger leaders, and contribute to building a solid, enduring political structure.
“He should lead from within, shape the party’s direction, and help institutionalise a legacy that will outlive electoral cycles. Anything less could lead to political isolation,” the statement warned.
WesternLifeNewsNG recalls that, Yunusa Tanko, who now serves as the Director-General of the Obidient Movement, had on Monday declared that Obi would contest the 2027 presidential election regardless of the ADC coalition’s ticket outcome.
Speaking at the second Annual Colloquium in honour of Associate Professor Abdulmumin Ajia in Abuja, Tanko stated, “Obi has already said he will contest in 2027, whether we get the coalition ticket or not. We’re not contemplating whether he’ll run. When we get to that level, the platform will be revealed.”
