A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, on Saturday launched a scathing attack on presidential hopefuls within the party, declaring that any aspirant who defects after failing to secure the party’s ticket is “compromised” and working in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, Okonkwo warned that such defections amount to political sabotage rather than genuine ideological shifts.

“Well, if he leaves, will he now be a mobile squatter?” Okonkwo said. “Anyone who does not get the ADC presidential ticket and moves to another platform is compromised and working for Tinubu.”

His remarks come amid growing speculation that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, may be planning to dump the ADC for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside former NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The development has stirred fresh tension within opposition ranks, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to shift, raising concerns over unity and credibility among emerging coalitions.