ADC: Kenneth Okonkwo Labels Non-Joining Obidients ‘Disobedient’ After Peter Obi’s Defection
Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that supporters of the Obidient Movement who have refused to align with the ADC following Peter Obi’s defection can no longer be regarded as genuine Obidients, PulseNets learned.
Okonkwo made the remarks during a televised interview on Channels TV on Friday, where he questioned the loyalty of Obi’s supporters who failed to follow his political direction.
Referencing Obi’s recent engagement with supporters, Okonkwo stated that the former Labour Party presidential candidate had clearly instructed members of the Obidient Movement to register with the ADC. According to him, anything short of that amounts to disobedience.
“If you listened carefully to his conversation on X Space, he was explicit that Obidients should register with the ADC. So, if you claim to be an Obidient and you are not in the ADC, then you are not an Obidient — you are simply being disobedient,” he said.
Speaking further, Okonkwo reflected on his time in the Labour Party, noting that he had previously criticised the strategy of allowing supporters to freely associate with multiple political parties. He disclosed that Obi has since reviewed that approach.
“While I was still in the Labour Party, I openly said it was a tactical error to tell followers they could belong to every party. I am pleased that my brother, Peter Obi, has now adjusted that strategy,” Okonkwo added.
PulseNets reported that Peter Obi on Tuesday officially announced his defection to the coalition-backed ADC, affirming his willingness to collaborate with like-minded Nigerians to confront electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to Obi’s move, Okonkwo welcomed him into the party and reaffirmed his personal commitment to the ADC’s collective goal, regardless of who eventually secures the party’s presidential ticket.
“Anyone is free to join the ADC, but there is a clear condition: you must be a true democrat. We will not compromise on internal democracy or core democratic values. No individual, no matter how influential, was allowed to come with personal conditions. Discipline and strong foundations are non-negotiable for us,” he said.
Also Read: Peter Obi Replies Kenneth Okonkwo Over ‘Street Urchins’ Remark: “We Rise by Lifting Others”
Okonkwo also claimed that the South-East geopolitical zone has largely shifted its political allegiance to the ADC, describing the development as expected and strategic.
“The South-East has moved into the ADC, just as I predicted. Any politician from the zone who is not in the ADC and chooses to work elsewhere is indirectly working for Tinubu,” he asserted. “Peter Obi is now an ADC member, and we work with all our members. Whoever eventually emerges as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027 has my full support. I hold no personal grudges against anyone.”
