By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has urged supporters of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to formally join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Obi loyalists who remain outside the ADC can no longer call themselves “Obidients.”
Okonkwo spoke on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, following Obi’s recent defection to the ADC as part of an opposition coalition.
He said Obi had clearly directed his supporters to register with the ADC, citing a recent interaction on X Space in which the former governor reportedly made the call. According to him, failure to comply amounts to disobedience.
“If you are an Obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an Obidient, you are a disObidient,” Okonkwo said.
Reflecting on his time in the Labour Party, Okonkwo admitted it was a mistake to allow supporters to spread across different political platforms, adding that Obi’s latest move signalled a shift toward greater political discipline.
The lawyer, who is also a member of the ADC National Working Committee, praised the party’s internal democracy, noting that it does not allow conditional entry in order to build a disciplined and united structure.
Okonkwo further claimed that the South-East had largely embraced the ADC, warning that politicians from the region who aligned with other parties were indirectly supporting the ruling party.
On the 2027 presidency, he said the ADC was yet to decide on zoning but pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
