Kenneth Okonkwo, a notable chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on followers of Peter Obi to formally join the ADC as the party prepares for the 2027 general election. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Okonkwo said those loyal to Obi who had not registered with the ADC were, in his words, “disObidients.”
Obi supporters join ADC
Okonkwo, who previously belonged to the Labour Party, described the change in approach as tactical and welcomed Obi’s recent endorsement for supporters to register as ADC members. He said the earlier strategy of encouraging followers to remain party-agnostic was a mistake and praised Obi for asking his base to consolidate under the ADC banner.
“If you listen to his interview on X space, he said all the obidients should go and register as members of the ADC. So if you are an obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an obidient, you are a disobidient,” Okonkwo said. He added that the ADC stands as a vehicle for “good people” and is drawing significant backing from the South-East region.
During the interview Okonkwo emphasised the party’s commitment to internal democracy. He said that entry into the ADC is open to anyone who is a “true democrat” and that the party would not accept leaders who sought to impose conditions on membership. “One thing ADC will not compromise on is internal democracy and living on the tenets of democracy,” he said.
Okonkwo explained that the party had deliberately avoided leaders setting preconditions before joining, because the ADC wishes to enforce discipline and build a solid foundation. That approach, he argued, has encouraged participants to take the decision to join with due care and has strengthened the party’s organisational base.
On regional politics, Okonkwo asserted that the South-East has largely shifted to the ADC. He suggested that politicians who remain with other parties could be, effectively, working in support of the incumbent President Bola Tinubu. The remarks underline a tense and competitive environment as parties position themselves ahead of the next national vote.
Okonkwo also welcomed Obi’s formal membership of the ADC and made clear his personal commitment to the party’s chosen candidate for president. “He is an ADC member. We work with every ADC member,” Okonkwo said. “Rest assured, whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the ADC, I will work for the person. I don’t have any personal rift with any person.”
The ADC has not yet made a decision on zoning for the presidential ticket, Okonkwo noted, leaving open internal discussions about candidate selection. The party’s emphasis on internal democracy and member discipline will shape the contest for its nomination and could influence wider opposition dynamics.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 election, the push to register and mobilise supporters under a single party banner signals an attempt to consolidate opposition forces. Whether the ADC’s strategy will translate into broader electoral success remains to be seen, but the party’s current messaging seeks to convert momentum in the South-East into a durable political advantage.
Key Takeaways:
- Kenneth Okonkwo urges that Obi supporters register with the ADC, saying those who do not are “disObidients” and should join ahead of 2027.
- The ADC promotes internal democracy and aims to consolidate South-East backing for its opposition platform.
- Okonkwo affirms he will support the party’s eventual presidential candidate and insists there is no personal rift within the ADC.
