Obidients have given conditions to join Atiku-Led 2027 Coalition.
As Nigeria’s political landscape shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Obidient Movement, a key support base for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, has declared it will only back a political alliance if Obi is made the presidential candidate.
This announcement comes amid growing momentum for a broad opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition, which recently held a high-profile meeting in Abuja under the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) North, featured a convergence of prominent politicians including Obi, Atiku, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Bolaji Abdullahi, Adolphus Wabara, and others.
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Despite Obi’s declared loyalty to the Labour Party, his participation in the coalition talks has sparked internal tensions. Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, described Obi’s involvement as “confusing” and “an affront,” emphasizing that the party has not endorsed any coalition or merger.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to select a political party to serve as the coalition’s platform. African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, confirmed that talks were progressing and a decision would be made in the coming weeks.
Obi’s engagement with the coalition has prompted mixed reactions. The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, acknowledged Obi’s ambiguous stance, noting he has maintained his membership in the Labour Party “for now.” However, prominent figures within the movement insist that Obi must lead any joint ticket.
Dr. Katchy Ononuju, a founding member of the Obidient Movement and former aide to Obi, stated unequivocally that the group would not accept a vice-presidential slot for Obi, arguing that only a presidential ticket would reflect the will of the movement’s supporters.
Ononuju emphasized the strategic need for the coalition to learn from past mistakes, particularly the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) failure to uphold zoning agreements, which contributed to its internal divisions. He urged the coalition to unite behind a popular Southern candidate, namely Peter Obi and use his grassroots momentum to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He also criticized what he described as Tinubu’s “nepotic replay” of exclusionary governance, warning that only a strong, united opposition can pressure the current administration to embrace national inclusion.
Obi’s growing political influence was also highlighted by activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam, who described the former Anambra governor as “the most adorable political bride” in today’s Nigeria. While cautioning that the ruling APC would likely work harder to suppress his 2023-level performance in future elections, Idam said aligning with the coalition could offer Obi a better chance at the presidency.
However, the Labour Party remains adamant that Obi’s coalition participation lacks official sanction. The leadership reiterated that its presidential ticket is open and that any 2027 ambition must be pursued solely under its platform.
As the opposition coalition takes shape, the Obidient Movement’s stance signals a clear condition: Peter Obi must lead, or their support will not follow.
