(Victor Umeh. Photo by Twitter)
According to Victor Umeh, a senator from Anambra Central in the National Assembly, there were indications that Peter Obi would not be the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) presidential nominee.
According to Vanguard, Peter Obi, who joined the ADC in December 2025, resigned over the weekend and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State.
Umeh made the claim on Monday when appearing as a guest on Charles Aniagolu’s Prime Time on Arise TV.
He said there were already indications of imbalance in the coalition.
Umeh responded, “No, the signs were there,” when asked if Peter Obi was informed that he would not be the party’s presidential candidate. I was at the party as well. Thus, you don’t have to inform someone who is astute enough to recognize when the odds are stacked against him,” he remarked.
He pointed out that a thorough evaluation was not carried out prior to the coalition’s formation, emphasizing that the ADC brought together lawmakers from various backgrounds without a well-defined leadership structure.
Umeh went on to say that it was anticipated that the coalition will improve with time and create a credible, cohesive candidate for elections.
“No, it was a combination of all participants. There were people from all walks of life, including politicians. There isn’t a single person that possesses ADC’s extraordinary leadership abilities. Everyone who wore an agbada and well-known Nigerian politicians who had achieved great success went to the same location.
Furthermore, you are unable to hold anyone truly responsible. We also believed that as the coalition developed, we would be able to distinguish between the good and the bad. Everything would come together, and the coalition would be able to find someone among its members who they could genuinely offer to Nigerians in order to win an election. He clarified
He dismissed allegations that Peter Obi might be trying to get a presidential ticket more easily, characterizing Obi as a man of integrity who stays away from transactional politics and doesn’t participate in party procedures motivated by money.
“Mr. Peter Obi will assure you he will never engage in transactional politics if you interview him. That is a sign of morality and integrity.
That’s how he’s known to be. Someone with excellent financial discipline. Peter doesn’t squander money. Therefore, if he operates in a commercialized system and perceives that it is headed in the wrong path. He can get out of it. Thus, he has consistently done that,” he stated.
Along with Peter Obi, Umeh joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
