The Obidient Movement has criticized the ultimatum issued by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which directed members of the opposition coalition to resign from their current political parties and join the ADC.

Describing the move as one made in bad faith, the group rejected the directive and emphasized that its leader, Peter Obi—the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate—is not driven by desperation to become Nigeria’s president in 2027.

National Coordinator of the Movement, Tanko Yunusa, addressed the matter in Abuja on Friday, responding to statements made by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.

According to Abdullahi, the resolution was reached during an ADC caucus meeting involving prominent coalition members. While the directive to resign from other parties was issued, he noted that no specific deadline was set for compliance.

Responding, Yunusa said: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent statement released by the African Democratic Congress concerning the resolutions of the Coalition and our role within it.

“We wish to restate our position clearly. While we remain fully committed to the vision of the Coalition and acknowledge the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform, it is on record that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi aligned with the coalition’s position after the Anambra State Governorship Election, extending to the 2027 General Elections.

“This adoption and pronouncement were made publicly by the party. We are therefore concerned as to why the resolution is now being altered midway into the agreement.”

According to him, Obi, as a leader with a broad national constituency, has always taken time to consult widely before making major political decisions.