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It is Not in Peter Obi's Character to Contest Primary. It's a Weakness as Far as I am Concerned- Najaatu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Deputy National Chairman for the North West, Hajia Najaatu Mohammed, has criticised the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of avoiding competitive primary elections throughout his political career.

Speaking in an interview published by The Sun Nigeria on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Najaatu claimed that Obi had not built his political career through intense grassroots competition or contested party primaries.

According to her, he has often relied on political negotiations and alliances to secure important positions rather than facing open contests within his party.

She cited his emergence as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as one example of what she described as his preference for political arrangements over direct competition.

Najaatu said, "As for Peter Obi, he has never really contested (primary) elections. It is not in his character to contest primary elections. He has always wriggled his way to be a candidate. Even when he was Atiku’s running mate, it was because he went through a primary election, but he lobbied his way to that position. So, it is a weakness as far as I am concerned because people should be able to sling it out as politicians."

Obi's political career has, however, been marked by major changes in party affiliation ahead of elections.

In May 2022, he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly before its presidential primary, citing concerns over the internal process and the growing influence of money in politics.

He later joined the Labour Party and contested the 2023 presidential election on its platform.

As political realignments intensified ahead of the 2027 general election, Obi became involved in discussions within the opposition camp.

Following disagreements and internal challenges within the coalition, he eventually left the ADC before its primary election.

He later joined the NDC, where he emerged as the party's presidential candidate for the forthcoming election.

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