A group of young political leaders under the umbrella of the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, against exerting undue pressure on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to secure its 2027 presidential ticket.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, the forum expressed concern that Obi may abandon the ADC if it fails to hand him the ticket unopposed just as he exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its 2022 presidential primaries.
Kolowei accused Obi and his supporters of using threats and blackmail to force the coalition to zone the presidential ticket to the South. He stated, “If Mr. Obi continues down this path, the North should equally begin to demand the presidency to balance the 18 years Southern Nigeria has held power.”
Questioning Obi’s aversion to open contests, Kolowei said: “Why is Peter Obi afraid of a free and transparent primary election? Records show he has consistently avoided internal party contests from his time as governor to his exit from PDP in 2022.”
The forum further alleged that Obi’s approach undermines democratic principles, insisting that the coalition must resist any form of intimidation or favoritism. “Democracy is not about blackmail or free lunch. It is about fair competition,” Kolowei emphasized.
SELF also claimed to have reliable information that Obi has already secured a backup platform to run in 2027, warning ADC’s interim leadership, led by Senator David Mark, to remain vigilant.
The group urged the ADC to allow a credible, inclusive primary process without zoning restrictions. “Let Nigerians decide. If Peter Obi truly participates and wins fairly, he should be fully supported. But no one should be granted an automatic ticket,” the statement concluded.
