Obidients Endorse Nenadi Usman as Coalition Lead, Reaffirm Peter Obi’s Loyalty to 2027 Alliance
🗓️ 17 July 2025
🖋️ Byline: IDNN Politics Desk
Abuja, Nigeria – Leaders of the Obidient Movement have declared their support for former minister Nenadi Usman as a potential consensus candidate for the emerging 2027 Third Force Coalition, while confirming that Peter Obi remains fully committed to the alliance despite Atiku Abubakar’s recent entry.
The endorsement was made after an emergency strategy meeting between senior Obidient coordinators and ADC party executives, held in Abuja on Tuesday night.
In a joint communiqué obtained by IDNN, the coalition stated:
“Peter Obi remains the moral compass of this movement. He is not stepping aside, but he believes in inclusive leadership — and Senator Nenadi Usman represents that.”
Zoning Talks: South-East, South-South or North-Central?
The endorsement of Nenadi Usman — a respected economist, former Finance Minister, and prominent Southern Kaduna voice — is seen as a strategic bridge to counterbalance Atiku’s northern political weight without alienating southern aspirations.
“Nenadi has credibility, national appeal, and the humility Obi admires. She’s not here to hijack — she’s here to unify,” said
one coalition insider.
While zoning remains a contentious issue, insiders say discussions are leaning toward a South-South or Middle Belt-led presidential ticket, with Obi either:
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Retaining the ticket,
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Or taking a running mate or coalition chairman role if a consensus is reached.
Obi Silent, But Present
Though Obi has not issued a formal statement since Atiku joined the ADC-coalition orbit, his aides say he’s actively involved in the merger blueprint and in full agreement with the party’s direction.
“Peter Obi is not distracted. He’s focused on 2027 — and he knows that unity wins,” said a top LP coalition negotiator.
What This Means for 2027
The endorsement of Nenadi Usman suggests the coalition is moving toward a gender-forward, multi-ethnic ticket that blends Obi’s youth base, Atiku’s structure, and ADC’s ideological neutrality.
Observers say this could challenge both APC and any PDP revival attempt — especially if the coalition presents a united front with:
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Peter Obi’s clean governance brand
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Nenadi Usman’s economic and minority appeal
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Atiku’s legacy support in the North
“This is more than politics. It’s identity warfare. If they get it right, it’s game on,” said political analyst Ifeanyi Njoku.
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