The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing growing internal tensions following disagreements over the 2027 presidential ambition of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. What began as a united opposition coalition aimed at challenging the dominance of the All Progressive Congress now showing signs of fragmentation, largely due to disputes surrounding Obi’s role within the party.

At the centre of the crisis is pressure from Obi’s supporters, popularly referred to as the Obidient Movement, who insist that he must be adopted as the ADC’s presidential candidate. Party insiders say this uncompromising stance has unsettled other stakeholders, particularly influential figures from northern Nigeria, who fear that such rigidity could weaken the fragile coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, officially joined the African Democratic Congress on December 31, 2025, in Enugu. His defection was widely regarded as a major boost for the ADC, which had positioned itself as the platform for a broad-based opposition alliance. Prior to joining, Obi had publicly pledged to serve only one term if elected president and was reportedly involved in alliance discussions with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Peoples Party, amid speculation of a possible joint ticket.

Despite this momentum, Obi’s arrival has also intensified internal divisions. His supporters argue that fairness and the principle of power rotation require the presidency to remain in the South for a full eight years before returning to the North. This position has reportedly alienated some northern leaders within the ADC, who view the approach as overbearing and counterproductive. As a result, there are indications that some party figures are distancing themselves from Obi, raising concerns about the unity and stability of the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.