Fresh tensions have surfaced within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition following a leaked memo from the Obidient Movement, addressed to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In the memo dated July 29, 2025, and signed by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the group’s National Coordinator, the Obidient Movement accused the coalition of sidelining its members in key decision-making processes, despite their significant contributions to the bloc.
The ADC coalition—unveiled on July 2, 2025, as a united political front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027—features key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former SGF Babachir Lawal.
Although Obi has yet to officially join the ADC, the interim national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that both Obi and El-Rufai were granted waivers to remain in their legacy parties for now.
The memo from the Obidient Movement stated “We write to express our deep concerns about the systematic exclusion of our members from coalition activities and decision-making structures. Our people are being left out at all levels.”
Tanko highlighted the lack of representation in high-level meetings, saying none of Obi’s loyalists have been included in the coalition’s leadership or planning teams.
“This exclusion not only signals marginalisation but also erodes trust, which is crucial for a strong alliance,” he added.
The group is calling on Obi to intervene immediately, warning that the current structure does not reflect the movement’s influence or grassroots strength.
“We recommend appointing at least one working and one non-working committee member from the Obidient Movement in each geopolitical zone,” the memo suggested. “These steps are essential for fostering trust and ensuring success ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The petition has stirred concern among political observers, with fears that unresolved internal rifts could derail the coalition’s ambition to unseat the incumbent administration.
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