Insults Against ADC Leaders Not From Obidient Movement — Peter Obi

 

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has disowned verbal attacks and insults directed at leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that such actions do not emanate from the Obidient movement.

Obi, who spoke during an engagement at the Obidient Movement Secretariat on Tuesday, described those hurling abuses in his name as criminal elements, stressing that they neither represent his values nor the philosophy of the movement.

According to him, the Obidient movement does not promote division, name-calling or personal attacks, noting that mutual respect remains central to its political engagement within the opposition coalition.

“Let me be clear here, most of the things you hear are done by criminals who are not Obidient people. You have never seen me call anyone a bad name. We are not asking for division, and I do not support insults in any form,” Obi said.

He emphasised that he maintains cordial relationships with prominent figures within the ADC-led coalition, whom he described as respected leaders and colleagues.

“We are in the ADC and we respect everyone there. People like Atiku Abubakar are my leaders and elder brothers. Amaechi is my brother, we are very close. El-Rufai, Liyel Imoke, John Oyegun, Rauf Aregbesola — these are my colleagues. So how can I speak ill of them?” he asked.

Obi further assured his supporters that he has never encouraged attacks against fellow opposition leaders, attributing the insults to individuals attempting to tarnish his political image.

“Those who truly follow me will not insult anyone. Some elements are only trying to damage the Peter Obi brand,” he added.

Calling for a shift in focus, Obi urged politicians and supporters alike to concentrate on pressing national challenges rather than internal conflicts.

“Our concern should be out-of-school children, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and the alarming rate of kidnappings — where over 150 worshippers are abducted from churches and mosques. That should be our priority,” he said.

His remarks come amid reported tensions within the ADC following the entry of key political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have signalled interest in contesting the presidency, sparking debates among supporters over zoning and the mode of candidate selection.

Earlier this month, Atiku also cautioned supporters against trading insults, warning that such actions only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).