‘Evasion Disguised As Principle’, Analyst Slams Peter Obi’s ADC Exit

A public affairs analyst, Babajide Balogun, has criticised the decision of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC), just months after joining the Opposition coalition, describing the move as “evasion disguised as principle.”

Obi announced on Sunday that he was leaving the ADC, citing internal disagreements within the party and general ‘toxic political climate’.

Reacting to the development, Balogun argued that Nigeria’s political landscape requires resilient leaders rather than what he termed “political tourists” who move from one platform to another in search of advantage.

“Nigeria does not need political tourists drifting from platform to platform in search of the easiest path,” he said. “It needs fighters—leaders who can stand, contend, and win on merit. The opposition needs warriors, not escape artists. Nigeria deserves far better.”

He further questioned Obi’s capacity for leadership, suggesting that his pattern of disengagement raised concerns about his ability to navigate the pressures of governance.

“Obi’s recurring retreat from political combat raises a troubling question: if he cannot endure the contest within a party, how will he withstand the storms of governance? Leadership demands spine, not escape routes. It demands conviction, not convenience,” Balogun stated.

The analyst warned that any future departure from coalition efforts should not be misinterpreted. “Should he once again abandon the coalition, let no one be deceived: it will not be because the system failed him—it will be because the system demanded that he earn his place,” he said, adding that such actions could ultimately weaken the opposition while strengthening its rivals.

Reflecting on Obi’s political trajectory, Balogun argued that history may judge his decisions harshly, particularly in relation to the 2023 presidential election.

“When the final chapter of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency is written, history will not be kind to Peter Obi,” he said. “It will record that his political choices helped fracture a winnable opposition and paved the way for the very outcome his supporters now lament.”

Balogun maintained that Obi’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 election contributed to a divided opposition, turning what could have been a direct contest into a three-way race that ultimately benefited the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He also referenced post-election efforts by Atiku Abubakar to rebuild opposition forces through a coalition anchored on the ADC, describing it as a strategic initiative undermined by internal disagreements.

According to him, tensions escalated when Obi’s camp allegedly rejected consensus arrangements, opposed proposed direct primaries, and pushed for what he described as an “Obi or Nothing” approach to coalition politics.

“This is not the conduct of a statesman; it is the reflex of a political opportunist unwilling to submit to scrutiny,” Balogun said. “Leadership is earned in the arena—through contest, resilience, and the ability to withstand pressure.”

He contrasted Obi’s approach with that of other political figures such as former Minister of Transport Chibuike Amaechi and Atiku, whom he noted had participated in competitive party primaries.

Balogun concluded by emphasising that democratic leadership requires engagement with internal party processes, insisting that aspiring leaders must prove themselves within their political base before seeking national office.

“Democracy is not a sanctuary for the faint-hearted. It is a battleground of ideas, strength, and legitimacy,” he said. “A man who aspires to be Commander-in-Chief must first prove he can command within his own political camp. To seek the highest office without passing through the crucible of internal democracy is not strategy—it is surrender.”