The exit of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sparked political commentary, with Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, labeling it as a clear case of political opportunism ahead of the 2027 general elections. Onanuga’s remarks came shortly after Obi announced his resignation from the party via his verified X account on Sunday, citing internal conflicts and hostility within the ADC as key reasons for his departure.
In his statement, Obi accused the same Nigerian state structures and agents that he claimed created crises within the Labour Party during his presidential bid in 2023 of now infiltrating the ADC. He suggested that these forces were responsible for the internal tensions that led to his exit, implying that his departure was not a personal decision but a response to systemic interference. Obi’s resignation marks another shift in his political journey, following his 2023 presidential campaign under the Labour Party, which ended without victory.
Reacting to the development, Bayo Onanuga took to his X handle to dismiss Obi’s explanations as “puerile” and “illogical,” calling them a “self-serving letter to his mob.” Onanuga described Obi as a “politician made of jelly” and an “opportunistic fellow,” emphasizing that Obi’s decision to leave the ADC was not driven by principle but by a desire to find the easiest path to political relevance. He noted that Obi lacks the capacity to compete against established figures like Atiku Abubakar or Chibuike Amaechi for the ADC presidential ticket, suggesting that his move is yet another attempt to avoid tough competition.
Onanuga further criticized Obi for consistently blaming the government without engaging in self-reflection, a pattern he said has defined Obi’s political career. He warned that Obi’s latest maneuver would likely lead to the same outcome as in 2023 — failure — and welcomed him to the 2027 race with skepticism. The Special Adviser’s comments reflect a broader narrative in Nigerian politics, where party switches and strategic exits are often viewed as calculated moves rather than genuine ideological shifts.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Obi’s exit from the ADC adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. His move may influence party dynamics, voter alignments, and the overall competitiveness of the presidential race. For now, Obi’s next steps remain uncertain, but his continued presence in the political arena signals that he remains a significant, if controversial, figure in Nigeria’s evolving electoral scene.
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