Peter Obi, has denied encouraging attacks on leaders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), blaming “criminals” for abusive political comments allegedly made in his name.
Speaking at the Obidient movement’s secretariat on Tuesday, Obi said such attacks do not reflect his values.
He stressed that he maintains cordial relationships with key figures in the opposition coalition. He urged ADC members to avoid name-calling and respect one another.
Obi’s remarks come amid reports of internal tensions within the ADC following his entry into the party and growing jockeying ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have both signalled interest in the race, with supporters divided over zoning and whether the contest should remain open.
The former Anambra governor assured his supporters that he does not promote insults against fellow opposition leaders, accusing some individuals of trying to damage his political image.
He called for a shift in focus to pressing national issues such as insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and kidnappings.
Recall that Dockaysworld reported that the ADC warned Obi’s supporters to avoid sowing division within the party as it would only strengthen the ruling APC.
“Let me tell you here, most of the things you hear… criminals that are not Obidient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. We are not asking for division, I personally do not in any way… you have never seen me call anybody a bad name,” Obi said.
“We are in the ADC and respect everybody there. But as for calling people bad names, we are not in support of it. I don’t subscribe to it and I am not part of it.
“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. Name them, all the people who are there — Liyel Imoke, Oyegun, Aregbesola. These are my colleagues. So how do I say anything bad about them?
“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.
“That is not what we should be doing in politics. Let us talk about out-of-school children, hungry and unemployed Nigerians, insecurity, and how random abduction of people — where about 150 worshippers are being kidnapped in churches and mosques — is occurring. That should be our pre-occupation.”
