Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged supporters of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to formally register with the party, warning that those who remain outside are “disObidients.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Okonkwo said he was impressed by Obi’s directive for his followers to join the ADC, describing it as a corrective step from his earlier approach in the Labour Party.
“When I was in the Labour Party, I said it was a tactical mistake to tell your followers they could join all political parties. I’m very glad my brother, Peter Obi, has changed that approach,”
“If you are an Obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an Obidient,you are a disobidient.” Okonkwo said.
Okonkwo praised the ADC as a party of “good people” with strong backing from the South-East, emphasizing its commitment to internal democracy.
“Anybody you see in the ADC is allowed to join on one condition, you must be a true democrat. No leader or opposition figure sets conditions for entry because we want discipline and a solid foundation,” he said.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the South-East for the party, cautioning that politicians outside the ADC may inadvertently support the ruling party.
“Any politician who is not in the ADC, who wants to join another party, is effectively working for Tinubu,” he said.
On the question of the 2027 presidential ticket, Okonkwo pledged to work with whoever emerges as the ADC candidate, noting that Obi’s membership does not give him a personal advantage.
“He [Obi] is an ADC member. We work with every ADC member. Whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the ADC, I will support that person,” he stated, adding that the party has not yet decided on zoning for the ticket.