The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned supporters of presidential aspirants to stop preaching division and exceptionality ahead of its June primaries.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, gave the warning while speaking on a live audio conversation on X (formerly Twitter) on the state of the nation and polity on Saturday in Abuja.

“Let me also say this: those supporting divisiveness by aspirants should stop because they are working to the advantage of the APC.

“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are not helping him; they preach division, limit outreach, and harden positions needed for victory across regions and supporters,” he stated. Mr Obi’s supporters are also known as “Obidients.”

Mr Abdullahi said he had engaged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai on the need to strengthen party unity ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

He also said that holding the 2027 general elections in 2026, as proposed by the National Assembly in October 2025, would offer a double-edged sword for ADC, stressing that the party would struggle to heal wounds.

Mr Abdullahi, however, pointed out that an early election would work for ADC. According to him, Nigerians are tired of the present administration.

“We believe all aspirants are qualified; vilifying anyone or any region is unhelpful and complicates efforts to strengthen unity within the party ahead of elections.

“We will ignore people creating exceptionality and focus on our work because we want to win these elections credibly, peacefully, and inclusively nationwide together as one,” Mr Abdullahi said.

Mr Abdullahi also said that holding the 2027 general elections in 2026, as proposed by the National Assembly in October 2025, would offer a double-edged sword for ADC, stressing that the party would struggle to heal wounds.

He, however, pointed out that an early election would work for ADC. According to him, Nigerians are tired of the present administration.

Mr Abdullahi said, “Whether elections hold this year or next year, it will work for and against us as opposition.”

The ADC spokesman said the party was taking the forthcoming FCT area council elections seriously, following its poor performance in the Anambra off-season poll, and desired to make a statement with the FCT elections.

He also expressed concern that some state governments were compelling civil servants with National Identification Numbers to register as their party members.

(NAN)