ADC Presidential Ticket Won’t Be Easy for Peter Obi — Former National Chairman Nwosu

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Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has indicated that securing the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election will be a tough contest for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Peter Obi recently formally joined the ADC in Enugu, calling on his political associates, members of the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders across the country to align with the party ahead of the next general election.

According to Obi, the move is part of a broader effort to unite opposition forces and chart a new path for Nigeria in 2027.

“We are ending this year with hope, believing that in 2026 we will begin a rescue mission for Nigeria,” Obi said.
“We will resist electoral malpractice through every lawful means in 2027.”

Speaking after Obi’s declaration, his aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the primary objective of joining the ADC is to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

“That is our goal, and by God’s grace, we will achieve it,” Tanko stated.

He added that the movement’s leadership is currently focused on ensuring a seamless integration of its members into the ADC. According to him, plans are underway to mobilise and educate supporters nationwide on the party’s structure and membership process.

“We are mobilising and enlightening our members on how to join the party. We are not placing a figure on the number of youths that will come in, but millions of Nigerians will be mobilised, and this will continue until Election Day,” Tanko said.

However, in an interview with Punch, Nwosu cautioned that Obi would have to engage in serious political negotiations to emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer.

He explained that the party is home to several influential political figures who are equally qualified and interested in contesting the ticket.

“There are many very important personalities in the ADC who will compete with Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential ticket,” Nwosu said. “ADC is a properly structured political party. It is not a place where things are done arbitrarily.”

Nwosu stressed that internal democracy, dialogue, and compromise remain core principles of the party, noting that all aspirants would be given a fair chance through established processes.

“There will be lobbying, negotiations, and elections. Everybody is considered a VIP in the ADC. Even someone who joins today and declares interest can legitimately emerge as the candidate,” he added.

The former chairman also revealed that Obi has long been involved in the coalition efforts that led to the formation of the ADC, describing him as a familiar figure within the party’s political journey.

“Peter Obi has always been part of the ADC process. What we are unveiling now is only a portion of our larger strategy, especially for political dominance in the South-East,” Nwosu said.

While acknowledging the presence of prominent personalities within the party, Nwosu maintained that the ADC’s real strength lies with ordinary Nigerians.

“The party has been taken over by the Nigerian people. As Aisha Yesufu pointed out during the declaration, this is shaping up to be a contest between the citizens and the oppressors,” he said.

He warned that attempts by political elites to use state resources to influence the system would ultimately fail.

“Some governors may believe they can manipulate the process with public funds, but Nigerians will teach them a hard lesson,” Nwosu concluded.