According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, May 2, 2026, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stated that any presidential aspirant who decides to leave the party after failing to secure its presidential ticket should be viewed as compromised.
Okonkwo made the statement during an appearance on a television programme on Saturday while discussing ongoing political developments within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His remarks come at a time of increasing speculation about possible defections and political realignments involving major opposition figures across the country.
According to Okonkwo, political leaders who genuinely believe in a party’s vision and structure should remain committed to it even when internal contests do not go in their favour.
He explained that political parties can only grow stronger when members respect internal democratic processes and remain loyal after primaries or consensus decisions are concluded.
He argued that leaving a party immediately after losing a presidential ticket raises questions about the sincerity of the individual’s commitment to the party’s goals and ideology.
In his view, such actions create instability within opposition politics and weaken efforts aimed at presenting a united front during national elections.
Okonkwo’s comments were made against the backdrop of reports suggesting that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi may be considering a move from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Discussions surrounding Obi’s political future have intensified in recent weeks following reports of ongoing consultations among opposition leaders regarding coalition-building and the search for a stronger political platform ahead of the next presidential election.
Although there has been no official confirmation from Obi regarding a defection, speculation has continued within political circles about possible alignments involving him and other opposition figures.
During the interview, Okonkwo questioned the logic behind politicians frequently moving from one political platform to another whenever disagreements arise.
He suggested that constant movement between parties weakens public confidence in opposition politics and creates uncertainty among supporters.
According to him, political parties are expected to serve as stable institutions with shared objectives rather than temporary platforms used only for personal ambition.
He maintained that aspirants should be willing to remain within a party structure and continue contributing to its growth even when they are not selected as candidates for elections.
The ADC chieftain also stressed the importance of internal discipline and unity within opposition parties, especially at a period when political groups are trying to strengthen cooperation ahead of future elections.
He explained that opposition parties must avoid internal divisions that could affect their ability to compete effectively against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to him, loyalty to party decisions and collective interest should take priority over personal political calculations.
He added that disagreements are normal in politics but should not automatically lead to defections or fragmentation within party structures.
Okonkwo further stated that the opposition’s ability to challenge the current administration depends largely on unity and consistency among political actors.
He argued that repeated defections and the formation of new alliances often create confusion among supporters and weaken public trust in alternative political movements.
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In his view, opposition parties need long-term commitment from their members in order to build credibility and maintain effective political structures across the country.
He also noted that the success of any political platform depends not only on popular personalities but also on the willingness of members to remain united during difficult moments.
He said, “Well, if he leaves, will he now be a mobile squatter? If anyone who doesn’t get the ADC presidential ticket leaves the party for another platform, he is compromised and working for Tinubu.”…Read_More…