APC Strategies to Counter Peter Obi’s "Obidient" Movement in Southern Nigeria Ahead of 2027 General Elections

The APC plans to curb Peter Obi’s influence in the South ahead of the 2027 elections, following his strong 2023 performance and shift to the ADC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 8:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Acknowledging the "Ground Zero" Impact of the Obidient Movement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially signaled a strategic shift toward the southern region, specifically targeting the political momentum generated by Peter Obi during the 2023 elections. Ben Nwoye, the APC Deputy National Chairman for the South, admitted that the party cannot afford to take Obi lightly after his "Obidient" movement essentially took over key strongholds. In the South-East, which Nwoye described as "ground zero" for the movement, the Labour Party (Obi’s former platform) secured 15 out of 24 House of Assembly seats and seven out of eight House of Representatives seats in certain states. This performance has forced the ruling party to re-evaluate its regional presence and prepare for a more aggressive 2027 campaign.

Analyzing Regional Electoral Gains and Losses

The APC’s current anxiety stems from the statistical reality of the 2023 presidential race, where Peter Obi managed to win not only the South-East but also key states like Lagos, Delta, and Edo. Nwoye highlighted that these victories were not limited to the presidency but extended to legislative seats, significantly weakening the APC’s grip on the southern electorate. By winning two out of three Senate seats in traditionally pro-APC or PDP areas, the Obidient movement proved it could disrupt established political structures. The ruling party is now analyzing these numbers to identify specific districts where they can reclaim lost ground through localized strategy and grassroots engagement.

The Pivot to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

A significant factor in the APC’s renewed focus is Peter Obi’s recent shift from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling party views this move as a consolidation of Obi’s influence, as he continues to maintain the support of the Obidient movement while leveraging a new institutional platform. Nwoye noted that with Obi’s formal declaration to run again, the 2027 race will be characterized by a "fight through the system" where every vote in the South will be contested. The APC is currently monitoring how the ADC structure integrates with Obi’s existing base to determine their counter-maneuvers.