As the contest for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election begins to intensify, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed fears of an internal crisis, insisting that opposition parties should focus on strategy rather than public quarrels over zoning or online rivalries.
Speaking to Arise News on Wednesday, ADC member Fabiyi Oladimeji emphasised that tensions between supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi were being exaggerated and, in some cases, deliberately amplified to weaken opposition cohesion.
“Nigeria is not governed by poetry; it is governed by power,” Oladimeji said. “Power is not handed to those who shout justice the loudest.
”It is secured by those who understand the dynamics, timing, negotiation, structure, and strategy.”
Oladimeji described the ADC as a party with multiple influential figures, a normal feature of competitive politics.
“Atiku is a principality in his own right. Peter Obi is another. Rotimi Amaechi is yet another. These dynamics are familiar to us,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to be alarmed by online disagreements and expressed confidence in the party’s leadership.
“All the tensions you see will eventually fizzle out. Nigerians should remain calm. What matters is the vehicle that carries us all — the ADC.”
Highlighting the party’s strong leadership, Oladimeji praised former Senate President David Mark and National Secretary Ralph Nwosu.
“ADC is led by experienced individuals who understand the purpose of political parties — to manage competing tendencies effectively,” he said.
Oladimeji condemned attacks between supporters of opposition figures, calling them counterproductive.
“There is no reason for an Obi supporter to attack Atiku, or for an Atiku supporter to attack Obi.
”We share a common goal: opposition unity,” he said, adding that he welcomed Atiku’s public calls for restraint.
He also criticised public figures who have inflamed tensions with absolutist statements.
“When Professor Pat Utomi says he will withdraw support if Peter Obi does not get the presidency, it is disappointing. Democracy does not work through ultimatums,” Oladimeji said.
On zoning, Oladimeji questioned linking Obi’s candidacy exclusively to the South-East. “If power rotates to the South-East, it can also return to the South-West.
”This rigid zoning approach creates contradictions that don’t help the opposition,” he said.
Oladimeji emphasised that party leaders must ensure discipline among their supporters. “Peter Obi, like Atiku, should be able to control his base.
”Most of the online hostility is not from genuine supporters,” he explained.
Reassuring the public, he rejected any notion that the ADC could implode ahead of 2027. “There will be no implosion.
”The party is clear about its objectives,” he said, outlining the ADC’s options for selecting its presidential candidate.
“The party can pursue consensus. If that fails, it will hold open, transparent, and fair primaries. No one should be excluded.”
Oladimeji stressed that zoning should not be a priority for opposition parties. “Zoning is for the ruling party, not the opposition. Opposition success depends on strategy, not sentiment,” he said, drawing parallels with the APC’s approach in 2014.
He reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to unity among key figures. “Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi will work together.
”That is precisely what the ruling party does not want to see,” he added.
”When asked if this meant a joint ticket, Oladimeji responded simply: “Yes. Same ticket. They will work together.”
The ADC member urged patience as the party finalizes its strategy ahead of the 2027 election.
“The leadership will communicate the plan at the right time. For now, restraint and unity are paramount,” he said.
