…APC accuses ex-LP Candidate of party hopping, avoidance of internal contest
…Analysts say credibility debate deepens as opposition faces fresh 2027 strain
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have launched a fresh wave of criticism against former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioning his political consistency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed his exit from the ADC, citing deepening internal crises, legal disputes, and what he described as a toxic political environment within the coalition.
He maintained that his decision was not based on personal grievances with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he still respects.
However, his explanation has triggered strong reactions from key figures in the ruling party and the Presidency, who revived long-standing criticisms about his political movement across parties.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, led the charge, describing Obi as a “political nomad” who moves from one political platform to another in search of convenience.
“We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again,” Onanuga said, dismissing Obi’s reasons for leaving the ADC as insincere.
He further escalated his criticism, saying Obi’s political behaviour reflects opportunism rather than leadership depth.
“Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC,” he stated, accusing the former Anambra governor of avoiding difficult internal contests.
Onanuga argued that Obi’s repeated exits from political parties show a pattern of avoiding competitive primaries and internal party discipline.
APC escalates attack, calls Obi a “political rolling stone”
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also intensified the criticism, describing Obi as a “political rolling stone that gathers no moss.”
According to Morka, Obi’s continuous movement between political parties suggests a search for what he termed an “easy and uncontested presidential ticket.”
“Peter Obi, a political rolling stone that gathers no moss… roaming again in search of free, uncontested, unchallenged presidential ticket,” Morka said.
He further alleged that the former Labour Party presidential candidate has consistently avoided staying in one political platform long enough to build structures or contest internal primaries, insisting that leadership requires endurance, not constant relocation.
Obi defends exit, cites internal instability
In his defence, Obi maintained that his exit from the ADC was driven by worsening internal divisions and distractions within the coalition, which he said were diverting attention from national issues.
He stressed that his decision was not influenced by personal conflict with party leaders.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” Obi stated, adding that politics should focus on “service and nation-building, not control and exclusion.”
He reiterated that his political journey remains focused on improving governance and the welfare of Nigerians, insisting he is not driven by personal ambition.
Analysts reignite debate on political credibility
Public affairs analysts have also weighed in on the controversy, with Babajide Balogun describing Obi’s exit as “evasion disguised as principle.”
Balogun argued that a true leader must be willing to withstand internal political contests rather than exit when faced with challenges.
“Leadership demands spine, not escape routes. It demands conviction, not convenience,” he said, adding that Obi’s repeated exits raise questions about his resilience in political competition.
He further linked the development to the 2023 general elections, arguing that opposition fragmentation contributed to the electoral outcome, a debate now resurfacing as political alignments begin ahead of 2027.
Rising tension ahead of 2027 polls
The latest exchange underscores growing tension within Nigeria’s political space as the 2027 general elections draw closer. With opposition coalitions facing internal strain and ruling party figures stepping up criticism, analysts say early positioning battles are already underway.
While Obi has not issued a fresh response to the latest criticisms, his political moves continue to attract national attention, reinforcing his status as one of the most closely watched figures in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
