A new conflict appears to be brewing inside the African Democratic Congress-led coalition as a result of a leaked memo from the Obedient Movement to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In the memo, the movement expressed concern about purported marginalisation of members in critical decision-making processes.
The ADC was formed on July 2, 2025, as a coalition party to depose President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The temporary national chairman, David Mark, attended the ceremony, as did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Obi has yet to formally join the party, despite the fact that the temporary national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the party had granted him and El-Rufai permission to continue with their legacy parties for the time being.
In a document dated July 29, 2025, and signed by Dr Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, the organisation accused the coalition of marginalising its members despite their critical role in establishing the political grouping.
The memo obtained read, “We write on behalf of the Obidient Movement to express our severe grievances regarding recent developments within the coalition’s systems.
“Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels.
“While we remain committed to the shared vision of building a united and formidable front for the task ahead, we must raise the following issues that our members have repeatedly flagged.”
Tanko listed their issues, including a lack of representation in crucial debates.
According to him, none of Obi’s supporters were thought worthy of sharing a table with ADC decision makers.
“Several of our designated representatives and members are reportedly being excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made.
“This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership,” he lamented.
The movement also faulted what was described as “non-existent representation,” insisting the coalition’s current structure did not reflect its strength and contribution.
The movement coordinator, therefore, called on the former governor of Anambra State to address the matter without delay.
“The current structure does not reflect the Obidient Movement’s strength and contribution to this coalition.
“We strongly believe that there should be at least one working committee member and one non-working committee member representing the Obidient Movement in each geopolitical zone,” the memo stressed.
“We believe these measures are crucial to building trust and repositioning the coalition for success.
“We look forward to you resolving this with the party leadership in the spirit of the new Nigeria we want to build.”
