ABUJA, Nigeria (FN), Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress has criticized former presidential candidate Peter Obi for what it described as a pattern of “political drifting,” accusing him of repeatedly abandoning party platforms instead of building long-term structures. Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, made the remarks Sunday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, questioning Obi’s political realignments as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has previously been affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Peoples Democratic Party. His recent moves, including reported talks with other opposition figures, have fueled speculation about his next political base. Party defections are common in Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has switched parties multiple times, while Rabiu Kwankwaso recently left the African Democratic Congress to join a new coalition. Analysts say such shifts reflect the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where ideology often takes a back seat to electoral strategy.
Obi’s supporters, known as the “Obidient” movement, defended him online, arguing that his decisions reflect pragmatism in a system plagued by internal crises. Critics, however, accused him of opportunism, with hashtags like #PoliticalDrifter and #Obi2027 trending as Nigerians debated his political future. Civil society groups warned that frequent defections weaken democratic institutions by eroding party loyalty. Some political analysts described Obi’s moves as survival tactics, while others said they underscored a lack of ideological commitment. Youth activists, however, continue to rally behind him, emphasizing his reformist agenda over party affiliation.
The APC’s criticism sets the stage for heightened political rivalry as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, with Obi’s next move likely to shape opposition strategy.
