A significant controversy has erupted regarding former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi's involvement in the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with allegations that he was deceived into joining the alliance.

According to revelations from Katchy Ononuju, Obi's former Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the 2023 presidential election, the former Anambra State governor was allegedly tricked into joining the opposition coalition with false promises that he would emerge as its presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the coalition's presidential flagbearer for the 2027 elections, following his recent public statements suggesting his intention to contest.

Speaking at a recent function, Atiku declared: "I swear to God, if elected, whoever steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished."

In a separate statement, Obi had disclosed plans to run for a single term if elected. "I have not joined in any form of discussion on joint tickets, including with Atiku. If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office on the 28th of May 2031; not the 29th, but the 28th," Obi stated.

Claims of Deception in Coalition Formation

In an exclusive interview with BenriNews, Ononuju claimed that Obi was misled about the coalition's intentions. "The coalition was just a trick. They tricked Peter Obi, saying don't worry, go and register, go, let us inaugurate. We will zone to the South and after the inauguration declaration, we will now start negotiating on the terms of you being the presidential candidate. I told him that these people are tricking; they are not proper," Ononuju revealed.

Ononuju, who is currently the Director General of the Heritage Centre, a think tank focused on research into economics, politics, and opinions, further accused Atiku of refusing to honor the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South.

"The same Atiku that refused and tried to lie to some people by saying it should go to the South and Southeast in the same year. Why is he suddenly refusing to allow zoning to the South? That was why I told Peter Obi that this is a trick," he stated.

Ononuju warned that Obi would face political extinction if he agreed to be a running mate to Atiku or anyone else. "The moment Obi becomes Vice President to anybody, the youths will walk away and I do not want this creation to die. Peter Obi as a political creation will die if he abandons the youths," he cautioned.

Coalition Ownership Disputed

According to Ononuju, the ADC coalition is Atiku's construct, making it unlikely that the former Vice President would step down his presidential ambition for anyone else.

"To be fair to him, Atiku constructed the ADC coalition and I do not think he would have constructed it for another person to become the presidential candidate," Ononuju stated.

Obidient Movement Responds

In response to these allegations, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, dismissed the claims that Obi was tricked with the presidential ticket into joining the coalition.

Speaking with BenriNews, Tanko said, "They are trying to create distractions and disharmony. We are focused and will meet our position. If Peter Obi is going to make any statement as regards the coalition, you will get it from him directly, from me, or from any of his aides."

Tanko emphasized that Obi remains a member of the Labour Party and clarified that his involvement in the coalition is specifically for the 2027 general elections.

"He has made it clear that he is a member of the Labour Party to protect the interest of his followers who are running under the Labour Party and to ensure he protects and supports them. The coalition is a coalition he is interested in for the 2027 general elections and we are in 2025. I repeat, Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party and the coalition is for 2027," Tanko added.

As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, this controversy highlights the complex dynamics within Nigeria's opposition parties and raises questions about the future of coalition politics in the country.

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