Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Ambition Faces New Uncertainty as ADC, LP Drift Away
Confusion continues to trail former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition, as uncertainty mounts over the political platform he intends to use to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
PulseNets learnt that Obi, who ran for president under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, remains a prominent voice within the coalition of opposition leaders plotting to unseat the current administration.
In early July 2025, the coalition — which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi — reportedly adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the preferred vehicle to contest the 2027 polls.
However, developments obtained by PulseNets indicate that Obi’s chances of clinching the ADC presidential ticket are fading, as top party figures appear to be aligning behind Atiku.
A senior party insider told PulseNets that the ADC has no plan to adopt a consensus candidate, adding that, like other political parties, it would “conduct a primary election to determine its flagbearer.”
Meanwhile, sources close to Obi’s camp revealed that the former governor is unwilling to confront Atiku in a monetized primary contest.
‘Obi Won’t Join a Dollarised Primary Election’ – Obidient Movement
Members of Obi’s massive grassroots base, known as the Obidient Movement, have declared that their leader will not participate in any “dollarised delegate election” within the ADC.
In a statement obtained by PulseNets, the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s political philosophy does not accommodate “money politics.”
“Peter Obi will not join them to pay delegates in any election,” Tanko told PulseNets.
“Those who have stolen so much public money will always try to buy their way, but that is not our path.
We are building a movement that’s value-driven, not naira-driven. Obi will not be part of any heavily monetised primary.”
He further emphasised that since the presidency is already zoned to the South, the debate about a northern candidate under the ADC should not even arise.
Tanko also commented on speculations that Obi might defect again if the ADC ticket slips away, saying only,
“When we get to that bridge, we’ll cross it.”
ADC Silent on Alleged Decision to Abandon Consensus Deal
When PulseNets reached out to Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, he declined to confirm whether the party had dropped its earlier plan for a consensus arrangement.
“No one in ADC is discussing consensus or primary for now,” Abdullahi told PulseNets.
“Our immediate focus is on building the party. We’re still relatively new and structure-building takes precedence over picking presidential candidates.”
He clarified that both Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai have not yet been registered as card-carrying members of the ADC.
“Obi and El-Rufai are still supporting candidates from their former parties. In Obi’s case, he may only formalise his membership after the upcoming Anambra election,” Abdullahi explained.
Analysts Warn Peter Obi Faces Uphill Battle in Labour Party
Political observers who spoke to PulseNets argued that Obi’s chances of running again under the Labour Party remain slim due to persistent internal wrangling.
Analyst Dr. Anabi Samuel said Obi’s return to LP would be met with strong resistance from the faction loyal to the embattled national chairman, Julius Abure.
“Peter Obi has made several enemies in the Labour Party,” Samuel told PulseNets.
“Even if he manages to clinch the LP ticket, his biggest opposition will come from within. Abure’s camp will frustrate him right from the primaries.”
He added that if Obi fails to secure the ADC ticket, his only realistic chance would be if the PDP offers him the presidential slot.
“There are rumours of a new party in the works, but Obi should drop that idea,” he added.
“The 2027 race is not like 2023. He needs a well-structured, established platform to stand a real chance.”
LP Rules Out Automatic Ticket for Obi
Although many credit Obi for catapulting the Labour Party into national prominence during the 2023 elections, the party insists there will be no automatic ticket for him in 2027.
Also Read: 2027 Presidency: ADC National Chairman Hosts Jonathan in a Close Door Meeting
In a reaction obtained by PulseNets, Obiora Ifoh, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the LP, said the party remains committed to democratic primaries.
“Our primaries will be open to all aspirants. Every interested person must apply and go through the normal process,” Ifoh told PulseNets.
“It would be undemocratic to hand an automatic ticket to anyone, not even Peter Obi.”
