There were signs Obi wouldn’t emerge ADC presidential candidate – Umeh
Umeh Claims Signs Indicated Obi Would Not Be ADC Presidential Candidate
By Emmanuel Okogba
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, has stated that there were indications Peter Obi would not secure the presidential nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Recently, Obi resigned from the ADC, a party he joined in December 2025, and has now affiliated himself with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Umeh made these comments during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time with Charles Aniagolu on Monday. He suggested that imbalances within the coalition had become evident.
When asked if it was communicated to Obi that he would not be the ADC’s presidential candidate, Umeh replied, “No, the signs were there. I was also in the party. So you don’t need to tell somebody who is wise enough to know when the odds are piling against him.”
Umeh emphasized that a proper assessment was lacking prior to the formation of the coalition. He pointed out that the ADC had united politicians from various backgrounds without establishing a clear leadership framework.
“The coalition was expected to evolve and eventually present a viable candidate for elections,” he noted. “It was an amalgamation of diverse politicians—everyone from various backgrounds came together. You cannot identify ADC with any exceptional leadership.”
He further expressed hope that as the coalition matured, it would be able to distinguish capable candidates.
Umeh dismissed suggestions that Obi’s departure indicated a desire for an easier path to a presidential ticket. He characterized Obi as a principled politician who refrains from engaging in transactional politics.
“Mr. Peter Obi is known to avoid transactional politics, which reflects his integrity and principles,” Umeh said. “He exhibits great fiscal discipline and refrains from wasteful spending. If he finds himself in a system that prioritizes money, he will remove himself—this is consistent with his history.”
Umeh has also joined Obi in transitioning to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
