Why ADC coalition is still shaky -Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, says the coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is struggling to gain firm footing because disagreements over zoning and the allocation of major positions remain unresolved.

Obi spoke during a YouTube interview hosted by Advocacy for Good Governance on Wednesday, where he stressed that the coalition must address these outstanding issues and agree on a unified vision for Nigeria.

“Today, I’m a member of the Labour Party, okay, and I subscribe to the coalition — the ADC coalition — for the 2027 election and I believe in it,” Obi said.

He explained that despite his support, there are essential principles the coalition must jointly commit to.

“But as much as I believe in it, I need to know the fundamentals that we all agree to respect.

“But in all this, there are still some fine lines that we need to respect, where things must be done properly, where we must sit down and talk about where we’re driving the country to.

“Today, we have what we can say are unsigned agreements about the presidency, unsigned agreements about rotation of offices.

“Which is why if you say this person will come from here and this person will come from there, all those things need to be organised.

“The reason why it needs to be organised is: if you don’t do it, you create confusion for the future.”

Obi expressed confidence in the political experience of the coalition’s leaders, noting that he holds former vice-president Atiku Abubakar in high regard.

“I respect all those who are leaders there; of course, our chairman, David Mark, is one of those people I respect,” he said.

“I believe he has the political sagacity to lead the party and so many others we have there; people like my own leader, Atiku — someone I have all my respect for, who I believe believes in the good of Nigeria, and wants the best for Nigeria and all that.”

When asked whether his commitment to the alliance would remain intact even if he is not selected as its 2027 presidential flag-bearer, Obi said his priority is the country’s progress.

“I’m not desperate to be president of Nigeria, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he added.