Why Peter Obi Tops ADC’s List — Dr. Marshall Odede Explains, Slams Kenneth Okonkwo and Sparks Fresh Political Debate

A fresh wave of political debate has been ignited following comments by Dr. Marshall Odede, Edo State Secretary of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) and National Secretary of COPDEM’s Political Committee, explaining why former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has emerged as a leading figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking during a DDM TV morning programme, Odede openly defended Obi’s political relevance while sharply criticising remarks attributed to ADC chieftain and actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, describing them as politically misguided and disconnected from current realities.

According to Odede, Peter Obi’s growing prominence within ADC is not accidental but a reflection of political momentum and public sentiment. He argued that COPDEM, like any serious pro-democracy organisation, aligns itself with movements that resonate with the Nigerian electorate. In his words, “COPDEM moves where the wind blows,” a phrase he used to emphasise that political relevance in Nigeria is driven by popular appeal, grassroots energy, and credibility. Odede insisted that among all opposition figures currently in the national space, Peter Obi remains the only politician with the capacity to galvanise mass support across regions, demographics, and party lines.

Odede outlined several reasons why ADC must prioritise Obi if it is serious about becoming a formidable national force. He noted that Obi’s 2023 presidential outing fundamentally altered Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly by energising young voters, professionals, and first-time participants in the electoral process. Unlike traditional candidates who rely heavily on money politics and entrenched party structures, Obi’s support base, according to Odede, is largely organic, volunteer-driven, and ideologically motivated.

In dismissing Kenneth Okonkwo’s alleged criticisms, Odede accused him of misunderstanding both political timing and strategy. He argued that attacking Obi at a time when opposition forces should be consolidating strength only benefits the ruling party. Odede further suggested that some of the rhetoric coming from within ADC circles risks portraying the party as internally divided and unprepared for the task of national leadership. Without mentioning names repeatedly, he made it clear that personal ambitions should not override collective political objectives.

The comments immediately sparked intense reactions among political observers and online commentators. While many agreed with Odede’s assessment that Obi remains the most marketable opposition figure in Nigeria today, others insisted that no candidate should be handed an automatic ticket. Several voices argued that Obi, like any other aspirant, must subject himself to a transparent and competitive primary process alongside political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and others rumoured to be interested in the ADC platform.

Supporters of Obi countered this argument by pointing to historical precedents. They recalled how Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the APC presidential candidate in 2014 despite lacking the financial muscle of his rivals, largely due to overwhelming grassroots support and strategic backing from party powerbrokers. According to this camp, if ADC members overwhelmingly believe Obi gives the party its best chance, rallying around him would not be undemocratic but pragmatic.

The debate has also exposed deeper fault lines within Nigeria’s opposition politics. Some commentators believe Obi is being used as a political distraction, while others see him as the only credible threat to the ruling APC. There are also arguments that neither Obi nor Atiku can defeat President Bola Tinubu independently without a united opposition front, while opposing voices maintain that the political dynamics since 2023 have shifted significantly in Tinubu’s favour.

Beyond personalities, Odede’s intervention has refocused attention on ADC’s future direction. His remarks suggest that the party is at a crossroads: either it positions itself as a serious alternative by embracing candidates with proven national appeal, or it risks internal fragmentation and political irrelevance. For Odede and COPDEM, the choice appears clear—Peter Obi represents momentum, visibility, and electoral viability in a political environment where public trust in traditional power structures continues to erode.

As discussions around 2027 intensify, it is evident that Peter Obi’s name will continue to dominate opposition calculations, whether as a consensus candidate or a central figure in heated primaries. What Odede’s comments have achieved, however, is to underline one undeniable fact: in Nigeria’s evolving political terrain, Peter Obi remains a key reference point—admired by supporters, criticised by opponents, but impossible to ignore.