By Bankole James Dare
Published: July 30, 2025
In a political climate increasingly saturated with speculation, misinformation, and agenda-driven narratives, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi has found himself once again at the center of controversy—this time over alleged statements circulating online that link him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi, a leading figure in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and an influential voice in the opposition bloc, has firmly denied issuing any statements regarding a return to the PDP or a formal alliance with the ADC.
🔍 The Origin of the Claims
In recent days, social media platforms and fringe blogs began circulating a statement purporting to be from Peter Obi, in which he allegedly distanced himself from the PDP and endorsed the ADC coalition as his new political base. The so-called statement also claimed that Obi was in line to receive a leadership role in the ADC’s national structure and would likely contest under its banner in 2027.
The publication triggered immediate reactions from party loyalists, political analysts, and even some within the Obidient Movement—the grassroots support group that propelled Obi’s popularity during the 2023 election cycle.
🗣️ Obi’s Team Reacts Swiftly
Responding to the development, Obi’s media office, Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), issued a formal rebuttal.
In a statement signed by media aide Ibrahim Umar, the team clarified:
“The circulating remarks suggesting that His Excellency Peter Obi has made definitive statements about PDP or ADC are entirely fabricated. At no point did he issue such commentary. These claims are not from us and should be disregarded by the public.”
Umar added that Obi’s position on national politics remains focused on governance, accountability, and citizen welfare—not party maneuvering.
“Mr. Obi urges Nigerians to verify information and rely only on statements issued directly by him or his verified media outlets. Anything outside of that is pure speculation,” Umar concluded.
💬 Obidient Movement Clarifies Its Position
Adding to the rebuttal, the Obidient Movement, a decentralized but highly influential support network of Peter Obi, released a statement through its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko.
“There is no truth in the rumour that Mr. Obi was deceived into joining the ADC coalition, or that he is in any form of political confusion. These stories are being sponsored to sow distrust and destabilize the unity we have built across ideological lines.”
Tanko emphasized that the Obidient Movement remains non-partisan in nature, bound not by political party names but by the ideals of good governance, meritocracy, and national development.
⚠️ Self-Serving Narratives in Circulation
Interestingly, the controversy emerged shortly after the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) alleged that Peter Obi might abandon the ADC coalition if he was not granted the 2027 presidential ticket. The group accused Obi of a pattern of switching platforms to evade internal party competition—a claim Obi’s supporters have fiercely rejected.
SELF also questioned Obi’s credibility, pointing to his exit from the PDP before the 2023 elections, and his swift adoption by the Labour Party without contesting primaries.
Obi’s team, however, remains undeterred by such narratives.
“These allegations are nothing more than political propaganda. Those peddling them are the same people who benefit from a broken system and fear a truly credible alternative,” said a senior aide to Obi who spoke on condition of anonymity.
🔎 Why the Confusion Matters
Peter Obi’s political influence, though outside the two traditional power blocs of APC and PDP, remains formidable. As the 2027 general elections approach, observers believe that Obi’s next political move will significantly influence the shape of the opposition.
The surge in false attributions and political propaganda reflects a wider challenge in Nigeria’s political environment, where party identity often overshadows ideology, and strategic alliances shift rapidly in response to electoral math rather than policy clarity.
In such a context, unauthenticated statements can damage reputations, confuse voters, and weaken the credibility of opposition coalitions. This is why Obi’s team has taken a zero-tolerance approach to misinformation.
📌 Conclusion: Only Trust Verified Sources
As things stand, Peter Obi remains non-committal about any new party allegiance and is not publicly aligned with either the PDP or ADC. His office insists that any official political direction or statement will come from him directly.
In an era of viral falsehoods and manufactured controversies, Obi’s response serves as a reminder: verify before sharing. And in Nigerian politics, that may be the most powerful tool the electorate has.
