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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that individuals who insult leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his name are criminals and not genuine members of the Obidient movement.
Obi clarified during a visit to the Obidient movement’s secretariat on Tuesday, stressing that he has never encouraged abusive attacks against leaders within the opposition coalition.
The ADC chieftain said such conduct runs contrary to his political values, adding that he maintains cordial and respectful relationships with key figures in the coalition and would not support name-calling or division among its members.
“Let me tell you here, most of the things you hear, criminals that are not Obedient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. We are not asking for division, I personally do not in any way, you have never seen me call anybody a bad name,” Obi said.
“We are in the ADC and respect everybody there. But as for calling people bad names, we are not in support of it. I don’t subscribe to it and I am not part of it.”
He explained that true Obidient supporters do not engage in personal attacks, insisting that mutual respect must guide interactions within the ADC.
According to him, those who engage in insults are attempting to create discord and falsely associate their actions with his political brand.
Obi further stated that he regards several leading figures in the coalition, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, Liyel Imoke, Adams Oshiomhole and Rauf Aregbesola, as respected colleagues and senior figures, making it unthinkable for him to speak ill of them.
He urged supporters to focus on substantive national issues rather than personal attacks, listing insecurity, unemployment, hunger, out-of-school children and the rising cases of abductions in places of worship as matters that should dominate political conversations.
Obi’s remarks come after reports of growing internal tensions within the ADC following his defection to the party and renewed discussions around the 2027 presidential election.
Both Obi and Atiku have signalled interest in contesting the presidency, with supporters divided over zoning arrangements. While many Obi loyalists argue that the party’s ticket should remain in the South, supporters of Atiku are pushing for an open contest.
Earlier in January, Atiku cautioned supporters of opposition figures against trading insults, warning that such actions only benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also stated that anyone who attacks Obi or other coalition leaders does not have the interests of the ADC or Nigerians at heart.
Atiku had also indicated that no presidential aspirant within the ADC would step down ahead of the 2027 election, noting that all qualified candidates would be free to contest once the party’s selection process begins.
