Peter Obi Has Over 60% Chance Of Emerging As ADC Candidate – Ulasi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Ulasi, has said that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, stands a strong chance of emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), putting his prospects at more than 60 per cent.

Ulasi made the assertion on Thursday during an appearance on ARISE TV, where he also discussed the growing political alignment between the two ADC chieftains, Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“The Peter Obi–Kwankwaso effect is part of the gradual process we are building… building bridges across this country,” Ulasi said.

According to him, both political figures command significant regional influence, making any alliance between them a formidable national force.

“Kwankwaso is not a name you throw out in the North. Neither is Peter Obi a name you throw out in the South,” he added. “So if, by the grace of God, two of them will come together, and one of them emerges, we hope.”

Ulasi described the potential partnership as a strategic effort to foster national unity and political balance, noting that such collaborations could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape if successful.

“This concept of Peter Obi–Kwankwaso is going to turn out to be one of the exciting, very strong political processes that, if successful… will usher in a new period of development and progress for this country,” he said.

LEADERSHIP reports that supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso had earlier in the week unveiled a new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, as realignments intensify ahead of the ADC presidential primary for the 2027 general election.

The group, which announced its emergence in Abuja on Monday, said it has already established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with coordinators appointed at state and zonal levels to drive mobilisation.

National publicity secretary of the Movement, Justin Ijeh, disclosed this in a statement, describing the initiative as a coalition of political forces, including the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the ADC.

The development signals a fresh layer of opposition realignment amid growing uncertainty over who will clinch the ADC presidential ticket, with the OK Movement mirroring the grassroots structure and youth-driven momentum of the Obidient Movement, which played a defining role in Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

Speaking further, the PDP stalwart Ulasi argued that Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement, though not constitutionally backed, remains important for national cohesion. He referenced the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting that the South should be allowed to complete its turn in power.

“The South normally will have eight years. The North has had eight years under President Muhammadu Buhari. So we have four more years to complete the South,” Ulasi stated.

While acknowledging that the constitution allows any eligible Nigerian to contest for the presidency, he maintained that zoning helps promote inclusiveness and reduces political tension.

“It doesn’t stop anybody. The constitution of Nigeria does not say so. But for the matter of convenience… so that people don’t have to fight between the North and the South,” he explained.

Ulasi also made a veiled reference to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that while he retains the constitutional right to run, political realities make such a move contentious within the zoning framework.

On Obi’s chances within the ADC, Ulasi expressed confidence based on ongoing political developments across the country.

“So we feel from what is happening in the country, he has more than a 60 per cent chance of emerging as a candidate of ADC,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that political outcomes remain uncertain.

“Only God knows tomorrow. But if he does not succeed and asks me of an opinion, I would give an opinion to him. That stage has not come yet,” Ulasi added.