Only ADC Members Are True ‘Obidients’ — Kenneth Okonkwo Tells Obi Supporters

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on supporters of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to formally join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Obi’s loyalists who remain outside the ADC can no longer describe themselves as genuine “Obidients.”

Okonkwo made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, following Obi’s recent defection to the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition.

According to him, Obi has clearly directed his supporters to register with the ADC, and any refusal to do so amounts to disobedience.

“When I was in the Labour Party, I said it was a tactical mistake telling your followers they can join all political parties,” Okonkwo said. “I’m very glad that my brother, Peter Obi, has changed the tactic.”

He referred to an interview Obi granted on X Space, where the former governor reportedly urged his supporters to align with the ADC.

“He said all the Obidients should go and register as members of the ADC. So if you are an Obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an Obidient, you are a disObidient,” Okonkwo stated.

The lawyer, who is also a member of the ADC National Working Committee, commended the party’s internal structure, describing it as firmly rooted in democratic principles.

“Anybody you see in the ADC is allowed to get into the ADC on one condition: you must be a true democrat,” he said. “One thing ADC will not compromise on is internal democracy and living on the tenets of democracy.”

Okonkwo explained that the party deliberately rejected conditional entry by political heavyweights in order to build a strong and disciplined foundation.

“No leader, no opposition leader was allowed to give conditions before entering because we want to exercise discipline,” he said. “That is why everybody took their time to come to ADC, because we want that foundation to be solid.”

He further claimed that the South-East region had embraced the ADC, warning that politicians from the zone who chose other platforms were indirectly supporting the ruling party.

“Now, the South East has gone ADC. Any other politician who is not in the ADC, who wants to do any other party, is working for Tinubu,” Okonkwo said.

While welcoming Obi into the party, Okonkwo noted that the ADC had not yet decided on zoning its presidential ticket but assured that he would support whoever emerges from the party’s primary election.

“He is an ADC member. We work with every ADC member,” he said. “Rest assured, whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the ADC, I will work for the person.”

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