By OBUNIKE OHAEGBU

Prof. Utomi,

I am genuinely surprised and shocked that you would allow the likes of Festus Keyamo to dictate and determine narratives within the African Democratic Congress family. This is precisely the diversionary style perfected by Mr. Keyamo, Daniel Bwala, and other handlers of the All Progressives Congress–led, Asiwaju-led failed federal government: make an outlandish claim, allow the opposition to become fixated on it, and once it gains traction, sit back with popcorn to enjoy the spectacle.

Your comment, unfortunately, can be construed as offensive to other interest groups within the ADC family. More troubling still is the threat—explicit or implied—of withdrawing support. That posture is, to say the least, most unfortunate. It risks narrowing a broad coalition and undermining the collective spirit required to confront a deeply entrenched ruling party.

The more responsible and unifying response would have been straightforward: that you have joined the ADC with Peter Obi supporting him to become President; that, at the appropriate time, the party will collectively take decisions through transparent and democratic processes; and that whoever emerges as the party’s candidate will be far better than anything the current APC administration—already burdened by credibility-challenged tax reforms and policy failures—can offer Nigerians.

Supporters of other interests within the ADC may now take a cue from your statement. But a fair question must be asked: will you alone make Peter Obi President if he emerges? The answer is obvious. It is an emphatic no. No single individual can defeat the Asiwaju-led APC. This therefore requires humility and caution in our public comments as leaders—especially while dealing with opponents like Asiwaju and his team. Victory requires coalition, restraint, and discipline—particularly when facing actors who parade themselves as master strategists and experts in political propaganda.

ADC members must be guided. We cannot afford to be distracted by manufactured narratives or internal brinkmanship. The task before us is unity, process, and purpose—so that Nigerians are presented with a credible, democratic alternative capable of rescuing the country from failed governance.

•Obunike Ohaegbu, National Coordinator, South East Patriots (SEP), writes from his villages in Anambra State.