The South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of undermining the new opposition coalition platform under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to statements released by SELF’s National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the group believes Obi is threatening and blackmailing the coalition leadership in a bid to secure the ADC’s presidential ticket without contesting a transparent primary election.
SELF asserts that Obi has a history of abandoning political alliances when open primaries approach, referencing his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022 prior to its primary election. “Why is Peter Obi afraid of open and transparent primary election?” Kolowei queried, emphasizing that Obi “has a history of running away from primary election, which is the major aspect of democratic culture.”
The forum called on Obi to respect the coalition’s rules and participate fairly, rather than seeking special concessions or attempting to pressure the party into zoning its presidential ticket to the South.
The group further noted that attempts by Obi and his supporters to sway the coalition would not succeed, insisting that the same democratic standards should apply to all aspirants. SELF’s remarks reflect growing internal tensions within the opposition bloc as parties and coalitions begin positioning for the 2027 presidential race.
The accusations have fueled debate within political circles about the importance of transparent party primaries and the stability of cross-party alliances in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
