Peter Obi to Contest for African Democratic Congress Presidential Ticket — Ex-National Chair
Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said that former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, will have to compete with other political heavyweights within the ADC to secure the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Nwosu stated this while reacting to growing speculations surrounding Obi’s political future and his reported alignment with the ADC-led opposition coalition. According to him, the ADC operates an open and competitive internal democratic process, which means no aspirant—regardless of popularity—will be handed the party’s presidential ticket automatically.
He explained that Obi, like other aspirants, would be required to lobby party stakeholders, build alliances, and subject himself to the party’s primary election process if he intends to fly the ADC flag in 2027.
“Peter Obi is welcome in the ADC, but he must understand that there are other respected and influential leaders in the party. He will have to engage, consult, and convince party members. The ticket is not for anyone to claim by entitlement,” Nwosu said.
The former ADC chairman noted that the party has positioned itself as a major platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling party in the next general election. He added that the ADC is focused on building a broad-based coalition capable of producing credible leadership and restoring public confidence in governance.
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with strong grassroots support, particularly among young voters. His political movement, popularly known as the Obidient Movement, has continued to influence national political discourse since the last election.
Nwosu further stressed that the ADC would not compromise its internal democratic principles for any individual, insisting that all aspirants would be treated equally.
“As we approach 2027, the ADC is committed to transparency and fairness. Whoever emerges as the party’s candidate must do so through due process and genuine consensus,” he said.
Political observers believe Obi’s potential contest within the ADC could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as alliances and rival ambitions continue to evolve.
