Presidential aide dismisses ADC as a final destination
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, has expressed skepticism regarding Peter Obi’s recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in a series of social media posts and television appearances in January 2026, Bwala argued that Obi is unlikely to remain with the ADC as his final vehicle for the 2027 presidential election. He suggested that the former Labour Party candidate is merely using the ADC as a temporary “parking space” while negotiating a larger merger or seeking a different platform entirely.
Bwala, who previously served as a spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar campaign before joining the Tinubu administration, described Obi’s defection as part of a recurring pattern of “political tourism.” He noted that Obi has moved from the APGA to the PDP, then to the Labour Party, and now to the ADC in a relatively short span. According to Bwala, this indicates a lack of ideological consistency and a primary focus on finding any available ticket rather than building a stable party structure.
The presidential aide further alleged that Obi’s “Obidient” movement is losing its original momentum, forcing him to seek alliances with established politicians who were previously the target of his supporters’ criticism. Bwala claimed that even within the ADC, there are already internal frictions regarding Obi’s arrival and the displacement of existing party leaders. He predicted that by the time the 2027 election cycle fully kicks off, Obi will likely be found on a “different platform” once again.
Skepticism over opposition merger talks
The comments come at a time when several opposition figures are discussing a “mega-merger” to challenge the APC’s grip on power. Bwala dismissed these talks as an “unfruitful adventure,” arguing that the egos of major leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi would prevent a successful alliance. He suggested that the ADC is not robust enough to support the weight of such a coalition, describing it as a “fragile” platform built on symbolism rather than grassroots strength.
He challenged the narrative that Obi’s move to the ADC would automatically consolidate the opposition vote in the South East. Bwala argued that the Labour Party’s core supporters are feeling “betrayed” by the sudden exit, which could lead to a fragmented voter base. He maintained that the APC remains unbothered by these movements, as the ruling party is focused on delivering its “Renewed Hope” mandate to Nigerians.
Bwala also took a swipe at the ADC leadership, suggesting they are being “naive” if they believe Obi will remain loyal to their party. He pointed out that the history of Nigerian politics is filled with candidates who “hijack” smaller parties for election purposes only to abandon them shortly after. For Bwala, the ADC is simply being used for its “certificate of registration” rather than its political ideology.
Obi’s move to ADC confirmed in Enugu
Despite Bwala’s criticisms, Peter Obi officially joined the ADC on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, during a major event in Enugu. He was joined by several high-profile South East politicians, including Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. Obi framed the move as a “rescue mission” for the country, citing the need for a new platform to pursue his vision of moving Nigeria from consumption to production.
The ADC has welcomed the new members, with its leadership expressing confidence that the party will become the leading opposition force in the country. However, the Labour Party has responded by suspending some of the lawmakers who followed Obi to the ADC, accusing them of anti-party activities. This internal crisis in the Labour Party is seen by analysts as a significant blow to its relevance ahead of the next general election.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the debate over Obi’s long-term destination remains a focal point of discussion. While his supporters see the move to ADC as a strategic repositioning, critics like Daniel Bwala view it as a sign of political instability. The coming months will reveal whether Obi will indeed seek yet another platform or if the ADC will serve as his final launchpad for 2027.
Peter Obi Joins ADC, Dumps Labour Party Ahead of 2027
