In a rapidly evolving Nigerian political landscape, political science professor Jideofor Adibe has issued a timely warning to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, urging him to approach potential alliances with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition with utmost caution as he strategizes for the 2027 general elections. The advice, reported by *Daily Post* on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, comes at a pivotal moment as political parties recalibrate their strategies following significant developments in the race for the presidency.
Adibe shared his insights during an appearance on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* on Tuesday, a day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that its 2027 presidential ticket would be zoned to the southern region of Nigeria. This zoning decision has sent ripples through the political sphere, prompting candidates and parties to reassess their positions and alliances. For Obi, a prominent figure from the South-East, this development adds both opportunity and complexity to his political calculations.
While emphasizing that Obi bears ultimate responsibility for his political decisions, Adibe advised a cautious approach to coalition-building. “I wouldn’t want to advise Peter Obi directly; he has his own advisors. At the end, he has to make his own decisions, but if I were him, I would be extremely suspicious,” Adibe stated. His remarks reflect the intricate and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift rapidly, and trust is a scarce commodity.
Adibe highlighted Obi’s reputation as a strategic and deliberate politician, noting that the former Anambra State governor rarely accepts decisions at face value. Instead, Obi is known for his methodical approach, weighing alternatives and maintaining backup plans to navigate the volatile terrain of coalition politics. This mindset, Adibe argued, is particularly crucial when engaging with coalitions like the ADC, where competing interests and hidden agendas can complicate partnerships.
The professor underscored the broader dynamics of Nigerian politics, where every move requires meticulous planning and foresight. “Every political move requires careful thought,” Adibe explained, pointing out that announcements like the PDP’s zoning decision are not merely procedural but strategic, designed to influence alignments and reshape the political landscape. For Obi, this means carefully evaluating the potential benefits of aligning with the ADC coalition against the risks of overcommitting to partnerships that may not align with his long-term vision.
Coalitions, while offering the promise of broader support and increased electoral strength, often come with pitfalls. Adibe warned that such alliances can harbor “hidden traps” that could undermine Obi’s ambitions if not navigated with precision. He urged Obi to rely on the counsel of his political strategists, who must remain vigilant as rival groups recalibrate their strategies in response to major political developments.
The PDP’s decision to zone its ticket to the South has intensified speculation about Obi’s next steps. As a southern candidate with a strong following, Obi could benefit from the zoning arrangement, but it also places him in direct competition with other southern heavyweights. Meanwhile, other parties are exploring new alliances, adding further complexity to the political chessboard. Adibe’s counsel serves as a reminder that Obi’s ability to anticipate and adapt to these shifts will be critical to his success.
For Adibe, the lesson for Obi is clear: political survival in Nigeria demands not only strategic alliances but also the foresight to anticipate challenges and the discipline to avoid hasty commitments. As Obi weighs his options, his ability to balance ambition with caution could determine his trajectory in the 2027 elections.
With the political terrain growing increasingly competitive, Obi faces a delicate balancing act. The ADC coalition could offer a pathway to consolidate support, but it also requires careful scrutiny to avoid missteps. As Adibe’s remarks underscore, Obi must think several steps ahead, leveraging his strategic acumen to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape and position himself as a formidable contender in 2027.
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