APC chieftain mocks Peter Obi’s ADC defection, Tinubu 2031

A prominent APC chieftain of Nigeria’s ruling party has poured cold water on opposition efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu, dismissing Peter Obi’s recent switch to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a futile bid by political lightweights.

According to source, Joe Igbokwe, a vocal APC chieftain loyalist and former aide to ex-Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, took to Facebook Wednesday to lampoon Obi’s new allies in Enugu, questioning their ability to mount a credible threat.

Sharing a photo of ADC leaders welcoming Obi, Igbokwe wrote: “So these are the people that will unseat PBAT?

These ones I am seeing here, some of them cannot win their polling booths.”

His scathing post underscores deep divisions in Nigeria’s opposition landscape as the country hurtles toward the 2027 presidential election.

Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 runner-up who garnered nearly 6.1 million votes in a stunning third-place finish, defected to the ADC last week amid fallout with Labour Party leadership.

The move has sparked speculation of a grand opposition coalition, but Igbokwe branded the ADC figures as “koboless”, slang for lacking funds or clout.

“Some of them are koboless to drive anything.

They do not have electoral values, they do not know how to build bridges, and they do not know how to invest in people,” Igbokwe posted.

“We play too much in this country.” He capped his rant with a bold prophecy: “They do not know PBAT.

Ignore PBAT to your peril; I know him very well. Till 2031!!!”

Obi’s High-Stakes Gamble

Peter Obi’s defection marks a pivotal shift for one of Africa’s most polarizing politicians.

The former Anambra State governor, 63, rode a wave of youth-driven “Obidient” fervor in 2023, nearly upending the establishment with promises of frugality and anti-corruption reform.

His 25% vote share, behind Tinubu’s 37% and Atiku Abubakar’s 29%, shook Nigeria’s two-party dominance, drawing global attention as the “Obi-dient” movement trended worldwide.

Yet, internal Labour Party strife, allegations of fund mismanagement and power struggles, pushed Obi out.

The ADC, a minor party with roots in the southwest but scant national footprint, positions itself as a “third force.”

Obi addressed supporters in Enugu Tuesday, vowing to “rescue Nigeria from economic ruin.”

“We’re building a new coalition for competence, not cabal politics,” he said, without naming Tinubu.

Analysts see risks. “Obi’s jump to ADC dilutes his brand,” said Aisha Yesufu, a prominent EndSARS activist and Obi supporter.

“Labour had grassroots fire; ADC feels like a downgrade.”

Polling by NOI Polls shows Obi’s approval at 42% among urban youth, but rural voters, key to victory, favor Tinubu’s infrastructure push.

Igbokwe: The Unfiltered APC Firebrand

Joe Igbokwe, 70, embodies the APC’s combative edge. A former National Vice Chairman (South East) of the party, he’s known for incendiary social media barrages defending Tinubu.

Appointed Special Adviser on Drainage by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Igbokwe hails from the Igbo ethnic group.

Often clashing with southeast rivals who accuse him of betraying regional interests for APC patronage.

His post drew swift backlash. Obi supporters flooded his page with memes dubbing him “Uncle Joe,” while APC chieftain was cheered by fans.

“Igbokwe speaks raw truth,” tweeted APC youth leader Dapo Apara. “Opposition is fragmented; Tinubu’s machine is oiled.”

Igbokwe: “I’ve known Bola Tinubu for decades.

He’s a master strategist who turned Lagos around.

These ADC jokers? They can’t fill a hall outside Enugu.”

He dismissed 2027 talk as premature, citing Tinubu’s reforms, like fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation as cementing his legacy.

Tinubu’s Turbulent Tenure

President Tinubu, 73, assumed office May 2023 amid economic turmoil.

His “Renewed Hope” agenda promised bold fixes: slashing debt, boosting oil output, and taming 34% inflation.

Wins include student loan launches and cybersecurity laws, but pains linger, food prices up 40%, naira at 1,600/$1, and youth protests over hardship.

“Till 2031” implies a two-term vision, as Nigeria’s constitution allows consecutive mandates.

APC insiders whisper of grooming successors like Vice President Kashim Shettima, but Igbokwe’s bravado signals confidence.

APC controls 20 of 36 governorships and federal majorities, bolstered by 2025 off-cycle wins in Edo and Ondo.

Opposition woes compound the challenge.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reels from Atiku’s losses, while Labour fractures.

A united front could poll 45-50% per Afrobarometer data, but egos clash.

“Obi needs PDP and Labour remnants; alone, he’s vulnerable,” said security expert Kabiru Adamu.

Echoes of 2023: A Fractured Opposition Redux

Nigeria’s 2023 vote exposed opposition flaws.

Tinubu triumphed despite vote-rigging claims, upheld by courts.

Obi’s petition alleged INEC bias; tribunals dismissed it.

Now, ADC’s Enugu rally, attended by figures like Victor Umeh, ex-Labour Secretary hints at fusion, but Igbokwe’s mockery highlights gaps: weak funding, no national structure, ethnic silos.

Data paints a grim picture for challengers.

The MacArthur Foundation-funded Yiaga Africa tracked 2023 irregularities but affirms APC’s edge in voter mobilization.

Tinubu’s southwest base, plus northern alliances, delivered 8.8 million votes.

Obi dominated urban southeast/southsouth but faltered elsewhere.

Economic headwinds could shift tides.

Nigeria’s 220 million people face 40% poverty; GDP growth hit 3.5% in Q3 2025, yet inequality festers.

“Tinubu’s reforms hurt now but build tomorrow,” Igbokwe argued the APC chieftain.

Road to 2027: Stakes and Scenarios

As 2027 looms, Igbokwe’s taunt spotlights strategy.

APC eyes constitutional tweaks for state police, wooing governors.

Opposition courts diaspora funding, Obi’s U.S. tours raised millions, and digital campaigns.

Human Rights Watch warns of risks: “Election violence killed 100+ in 2023; impunity breeds repeats.”

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu pledged tech upgrades like BVAS scanners.

For Obi, success hinges on coalition-building.

“Ignore naysayers; we’re just starting,” ADC spokesperson spokesperson said.

Yet Igbokwe’s echo chamber resonates: Tinubu’s war chest, from oil blocs to party dues, dwarfs rivals.

Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, can’t afford stalemate.