A pressure group, South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF), has warned against Peter Obi’s ADC coalition threats, accusing the former Labour Party presidential candidate of trying to impose his will on the new alliance.
In a statement on Thursday, July 17, the forum claimed that Obi is using pressure and blackmail to force the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
The group said such tactics would destroy the coalition’s internal democracy before it even begins.
Speaking on behalf of SELF, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei alleged that Obi is already planning to exit the coalition just as he left the PDP in 2022 if it refuses to hand him the ticket.
“We have uncovered Peter Obi’s plan. His supporters are issuing threats, trying to manipulate ADC leadership. These Peter Obi ADC coalition threats must stop now,” Kolowei stated.
He argued that Nigeria’s presidency should remain open to all zones. According to him, no group should be bullied into giving automatic tickets to anyone, including Obi.
Kolowei also said that Obi’s track record shows a pattern of avoiding primaries and seeking power without competition.
He reminded Nigerians that Obi dumped the PDP just days before its presidential primary, only to get the Labour Party ticket unchallenged.
“This same Obi now wants the ADC to hand over its 2027 ticket without a contest. That’s undemocratic,” Kolowei warned. “Let him face others in a fair and open primary.”
The forum urged ADC leaders especially former Senate President David Mark, who leads the new coalition to resist any attempt to hijack the process.
They insisted that Peter Obi ADC coalition threats should not force the coalition into silence or compliance.
Kolowei concluded by saying that Nigeria’s unity matters more than personal ambition. He warned that if Obi cannot submit to internal democracy, he is free to leave the alliance.