In a stunning new twist to the fragile alliance among Nigeria’s opposition figures, Dumebi Kachikwu — the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — has alleged that Peter Obi is already plotting his exit from the recently formed ADC-led opposition coalition. This comes barely weeks after the former Labour Party flagbearer joined forces with other key political actors to challenge the APC ahead of 2027.
In early July, Peter Obi made headlines after appearing to align with the ADC-led coalition — a gathering that included high-profile opposition figures — in a bid to build a “third force” capable of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027.
However, just two days after the coalition’s launch, Obi publicly declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 — under the Labour Party platform — raising eyebrows and sowing seeds of doubt about his true allegiance.
Now, Dumebi Kachikwu has come out swinging. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he accused Obi of realizing belatedly that the coalition was never what it claimed to be.
“The whole ADC structure is being packaged for the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,” Kachikwu alleged. “Since I started warning people about what is happening, we can now see it unfolding. Someone like Mr. Peter Obi now understands that the coalition was never genuine. It was a platform built to push Atiku Abubakar’s ambition. From what we’ve gathered, he’s already exploring other options.”
Kachikwu didn’t stop there. In a tone that hinted at betrayal, he insisted that the ADC had been hijacked by elite opposition actors and warned that he would not allow the party to become “Atiku’s political vehicle.”
He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 election must not become “a private affair between political elites,” stating:
“This coming election will not be about class exploitation. We will resist it. Nigerians must be informed, empowered, and educated about their political power.”
As signs of internal cracks deepen, the ADC-led coalition faces a critical test: can it remain a united force against the APC, or will ambition and mistrust tear it apart before 2027 even arrives? With Peter Obi reportedly reconsidering his position and Kachikwu openly rejecting Atiku’s influence, the fragile alliance now hangs by a thread — and the Nigerian public is watching closely.
This is a developing story.
