Verbal Attacks on Atiku, Others Not From Obidient Movement – Peter Obi Clarifies in Viral Video

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has publicly distanced himself from verbal attacks allegedly directed at leaders of Nigeria’s opposition coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that such actions do not originate from the Obidient Movement.

Obi made the clarification in a video that has since gone viral on social media, amid growing internal tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over emerging presidential ambitions and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections. The video surfaced at a time when debates over opposition unity, zoning, and ticket permutations have intensified both online and within party structures.

Confirming the authenticity of the video, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, told The Punch that the clip was recorded during an engagement at the movement’s secretariat on Tuesday. According to him, the remarks reflected Obi’s long-standing position on political engagement, respect, and issue-based discourse.

In the video, the former Anambra State governor categorically rejected claims that he had encouraged or condoned insults against political figures within the ADC or the broader opposition coalition. He described those engaging in such attacks as impostors acting outside the values of the Obidient Movement.

“These are criminals who are not Obidient people,” Obi said. “You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. You have never seen me call anybody a bad name.”

Obi stressed that his politics has always been rooted in civility and respect, noting that name-calling and verbal abuse were incompatible with both his personal values and the ethos of the Obidient Movement. He added that his involvement in the ADC was based on mutual respect and collaboration among political associates.

“We are in the ADC and we respect everybody there. But as for calling people bad names, we are not in support of it. I don’t subscribe to it,” he stated.

The former governor further highlighted his long-standing relationships with several key figures in the opposition coalition, dismissing suggestions that he would approve of insults directed at them. He described many of the coalition leaders as respected elders, colleagues, and close associates.

“The people I met there, down to the party chairman, are my elder brothers. People like Atiku are my leader and a very respected elder brother. Amaechi is my brother, and we are very close. So also is El-Rufai,” Obi said.

He went on to mention other prominent figures within the coalition, including former governors and party leaders, stressing that they were political colleagues with whom he shared mutual respect.

“So how do I say anything bad about them?” he asked rhetorically.

Obi warned that some individuals were deliberately exploiting his name and the Obidient brand to create division and sow discord within the opposition coalition. He assured his supporters that he had not authorised any form of verbal attack against any political figure.

“Those who are following me, I assure you, will not say anything bad about them. But some elements are trying to do that to hurt the Peter Obi brand,” he said.

Calling for a redirection of political energy, Obi urged politicians and their supporters to focus on Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges rather than internal disputes and personality clashes.

“That is not what we should be doing in politics,” he said. “Let us talk about out-of-school children, hungry and unemployed Nigerians, insecurity, and how random abductions are taking place—where about 150 worshippers are being kidnapped in churches and mosques. That should be our preoccupation.”

The clarification comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting that cracks are beginning to appear within the ADC following Obi’s defection to the party as part of a broader opposition coalition. Observers say the tension is largely driven by disagreements over the party’s presidential ticket.

According to findings, some Obi supporters—popularly referred to as Obidients—have insisted that he must be considered for the ADC’s presidential ticket, warning that failure to do so could lead to a withdrawal of their support. This posture has reportedly unsettled some ADC leaders, particularly from the northern part of the country, who have expressed concern over what they describe as an overbearing approach by Obi’s promoters.

Obi formally joined the ADC on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, after leaving the Labour Party. Prior to his defection, he had pledged publicly that he would serve only a single term if elected president.

However, many of his supporters—several of whom migrated with him from the Labour Party—have continued to argue that the South should retain power for eight years before it returns to the North. This position has further complicated negotiations within the coalition.

Prominent Obi loyalists, including activist Aisha Yesufu and political economist Professor Pat Utomi, have publicly warned against Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot, stating that such a move would cost him their support.

Meanwhile, concerns over escalating hostility between supporters of Obi and those of Atiku Abubakar have continued to grow. In response, Atiku recently cautioned supporters on all sides against verbal attacks, warning that such behaviour could undermine opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

As political maneuvering within the ADC continues, Obi’s comments appear aimed at calming tensions, reaffirming his commitment to respectful engagement, and distancing himself from inflammatory rhetoric that could weaken the opposition’s collective strength.