LAGOS, Nigeria — Ambassador‑designate to Mexico Reno Omokri said Sunday that Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), displayed political foresight when he resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Omokri made the remarks in a Facebook post a day after Obi clinched the NDC ticket. The former Anambra governor announced his departure from the ADC on May 3, citing worsening internal crises and what he described as a toxic political climate within the party. He later joined the NDC, where he emerged as its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 polls.
Omokri, a frequent critic of Obi, said the move was pragmatic given the factional disputes within the ADC. He argued that Obi could not have defeated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the ADC primaries, particularly within the David Mark faction of the party. “He must have known from the get‑go that he would lose the presidential primaries,” Omokri wrote, adding that many believed Obi was initially positioning himself as a potential running mate.
The diplomat pointed to the ADC’s internal divisions, split among the David Mark faction, the Nafiu Bala bloc, and the Dumebi Kachikwu camp. He warned that ongoing court cases could invalidate primaries conducted by rival factions. “You have to give it to Mr. Obi. He had some political foresight, anticipating the likely consequences of emerging as a candidate for a factionalised party,” Omokri said.
Obi’s decision to leave the ADC reflects a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, where candidates often shift parties to avoid internal disputes or strengthen their chances in national elections. Similar moves have been seen in past cycles, with politicians defecting to more stable platforms ahead of primaries.
The remarks sparked wide reactions across social media and political circles. Supporters of Obi praised his decision as a bold and strategic move, saying it showed he was unwilling to gamble his presidential ambition on a party mired in factional battles. “This is foresight, not fear. Obi chose certainty over chaos,” one supporter posted on X. Others argued that his defection to the NDC positioned him as a serious contender for 2027.
Supporters of Omokri echoed his analysis, insisting that Obi’s exit was less about courage and more about survival. “Reno is right. Obi knew he couldn’t beat Atiku in ADC. He simply jumped ship,” one commenter wrote.
Stakeholders and policy watchers also weighed in. Some analysts said Obi’s move underscored the fragility of Nigeria’s party system, where internal disputes often derail credible candidates. Civil society groups urged reforms to strengthen party structures and reduce factionalism. Opposition voices, however, accused Obi of opportunism, claiming he abandoned the ADC only when it became clear he would lose.
The debate highlights the tension between pragmatism and loyalty in Nigerian politics. While Obi’s supporters see his defection as evidence of political maturity, critics argue it reflects the instability of party allegiances ahead of the 2027 elections.
