Those insulting Atiku, others ADC leaders are criminal elements, not Obidients – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims that he directed members of the Obidient Movement to insult leaders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Obi made the clarification in a video that circulated on social media, amid rising tensions within the ADC over the party’s emerging presidential dynamics.

Speaking in the clip, Obi insisted that verbal attacks attributed to him were alien to his politics and the ethos of the Obidients. “These are criminals who are not Obidient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. You have never seen me call anybody a bad name,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that his engagement in the ADC was anchored on mutual respect for senior party leaders, describing figures like Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola as “respected elder brothers and colleagues.”

Obi warned that some individuals were exploiting his name to create discord within the coalition, urging supporters to refrain from personal attacks. “Those who are following me, I assure you, will not say anything bad about them. But some elements are trying to do that to hurt the Peter Obi brand,” he said.

He also called for a shift in political focus, stressing that Nigeria’s urgent challenges—such as insecurity, unemployment, and the plight of out-of-school children—should take precedence over internal party squabbles.

The PUNCH had earlier reported emerging tensions within the ADC following Obi’s defection to the party on December 31, 2025, in Enugu. Some northern ADC leaders reportedly expressed displeasure over the assertive stance of Obi’s supporters, who insist he must be considered for the party’s presidential ticket.

Prominent loyalists of Obi, including Aisha Yesufu, have threatened to oppose any arrangement in which he accepts a vice-presidential role. Similarly, Professor Pat Utomi indicated he would withdraw support if Obi accepts a deputy slot.

In response to growing hostility between Obi’s camp and that of Atiku, the former vice president cautioned all parties against verbal attacks, urging unity within the opposition coalition.

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