Obidients, Ihedioha Renew Rivalry Over Alleged Atiku Agenda

The 2027 political permutations have taken a fresh twist as members of the Obidient Movement,  staunch supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has openly criticized former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, over his alleged preference for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential flag bearer of the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The backlash comes in the wake of Ihedioha’s recent defection to the ADC, a move seen by many as strategic positioning ahead of the anticipated merger of opposition forces. Ihedioha, at a meeting in Owerri, also directed his political structure, the Rebuild Imo Movement, to move en masse into the ADC,

However, what has triggered outrage from Obi’s supporters is the growing belief that Ihedioha and his loyalists are working behind the scenes to ensure Atiku Abubakar clinches the presidential ticket of the new opposition alliance.

According to emerging reports, Ihedioha is allegedly among those pushing Peter Obi to settle for a vice presidential slot under Atiku, a proposition many Obidients have described as “insulting” and “unacceptable.”

“They are trying to repackage the same political order Nigerians rejected in 2023. Ihedioha’s moves are not surprising to us. He has always preferred Atiku, because he believes that only a Northern candidate can sack Tinubu and now he is alleged to be among those trying to drag Obi into playing second fiddle. It will not work,” said a senior member of Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign team who asked not to be named.

In their reactions, some Obidients have gone further to ask Ihedioha to forget his rumored 2027 governorship ambition in Imo State unless he publicly clarifies his position on the matter. 

“You can’t insult the intelligence of the Igbo people and expect to come back in 2027 asking for their votes,” said Berthran Ononuju, an angry Obidient from Owerri. “If he doesn't speak up soon, we’ll consider him politically finished in Imo.”

In his comment on his official Facebook page, MC Duke Ogechi, a popular entertainer and an ardent Obidient, said, "my sincere advice to you guys (Ihedioha supporters) is to tone down your discussion for the support for Atiku for the sake of Emeka Ihedioha.

"The eyes & ears of Imo masses are wide open, waiting for him (Ihedioha) to take a stance on who will fly the ADC presidential ticket between him (Atiku) and Obi", adding that, "they are waiting to oppose his gubernatorial ambition if he opposes the ambition of Peter Obi because of Atiku. 2023 didn't teach you people any lessons. The saboteur video he called those not supporting Atiku in Ghana is still fresh in our minds.”

The reference to Ihedioha’s 2022 speech in Ghana where he was widely reported to have described those opposed to Atiku as saboteurs continues to haunt his public image, despite the duo's recent appearances at public functions.

Obi’s supporters argue that the South-East cannot afford to miss another opportunity at the presidency, especially after decades of marginalization. They see any attempt to push Obi into a vice presidential slot as a betrayal of the equity and justice the region has long sought.

“Obi won 12 states in 2023 without the so-called structure. He energized the youth, built a movement, and won hearts across Nigeria,” said another social media user sympathetic to the Obidient cause. “Reducing him to Atiku’s running mate is a political insult and undermines the positive change Nigerians yearn.”

On the other hand, Ihedioha’s suppotets in their comments on social media, argue that their stance is rooted in the need to unite opposition forces to defeat the ruling APC. They insist that personal ambition should be set aside for the greater good of reclaiming power.

While some of Ihedioha's supporters made efforts to dispel the accusation by the supporters of Peter Obi, they insist that the coalition must ensure an open contest that will see the best candidate emerge at the primaries. 

As talks within the ADC and broader opposition alliance continue, the controversy surrounding Ihedioha’s role and alleged preference for Atiku Abubakar and the reactions of supporters of Mr. Peter Obi may, to a greater extent, determine the stability of the Coalition in Imo State.