Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and member of its National Working Committee, has called on all supporters of Peter Obi to formally register with the party, insisting that those who remain outside the ADC can no longer be considered true “Obidients.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, January 2, 2026, the lawyer and actor welcomed Obi’s recent defection to the ADC but emphasised the need for his followers to follow suit ahead of the 2027 general elections. Okonkwo described the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s move as a strategic shift that clarifies the path for the opposition movement.
Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, officially dumped the Labour Party in late December 2025 to join the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition effort. The defection, announced amid ongoing internal crises in the Labour Party, has been hailed by ADC leaders as a “political blockbuster” that positions the party strongly for the 2027 contest.
Okonkwo, who himself left the Labour Party earlier due to disagreements over leadership and structure, praised Obi for correcting what he called a previous “tactical mistake.” “When I was in the Labour Party, I said it was a tactical mistake telling your followers they can join all political parties,” he stated. “I’m very glad that my brother, Peter Obi, has changed the tactic.”
Referencing a recent X Spaces interview by Obi, Okonkwo noted that the former governor had explicitly directed supporters to register 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,” he declared.
The term “Obidient” emerged during the 2023 campaigns to describe the passionate, largely youth-driven movement backing Obi’s candidacy on the Labour Party platform. It symbolised a push for good governance, accountability, and a break from traditional politics. However, post-election disputes within the Labour Party, including leadership tussles and allegations of financial impropriety, contributed to fractures that culminated in Obi’s exit.
Okonkwo highlighted the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy as a key attraction. “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.” He explained that the party rejected conditional entries from opposition leaders to build a solid, disciplined foundation.
He further claimed strong regional backing, stating: “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.” This assertion underscores the ADC’s ambition to consolidate support in Obi’s Igbo heartland ahead of 2027.
On the party’s presidential ticket, Okonkwo said the ADC has not yet decided on zoning but pledged full support for the eventual candidate. “He [Obi] is an ADC member. We work with every ADC member,” he affirmed. “Rest assured, whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the ADC, I will work for the person.”
Obi’s move has generated mixed reactions. While ADC chieftains celebrate it as a game-changer that rattles the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a faction within the party has rejected the defection, citing internal disputes. Atiku Abubakar’s camp has also weighed in, suggesting the shift strengthens opposition unity against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
