Political activist and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Usman Austin Okai has cautioned supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s “Obidient” movement, warning that their ongoing media war is a dangerous distraction to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, coalition.
In a statement he issued on Friday, Okai noted that the internal friction between both camps is threatening opposition unity and could jeopardize efforts to resolve the party’s leadership tussle currently before the courts.
“We are at the Supreme Court, patiently praying and waiting for a favorable outcome that will return our party to us, yet the supporters of these two gladiators are engaged in a proxy media war,” Okai said.
The activist specifically called on both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to take charge of their followers.
He urged the two leaders to be more decisive in defining a “mode of operation” for their supporters to ensure their energy is directed toward common goals rather than internal bickering.
Okai said: “The ongoing media hostilities between these two camps are not just unnecessary; they are a direct threat to the ADC Coalition.
“We cannot afford a house divided against itself while we are in the middle of a critical legal and political struggle.”
He emphasized that the primary focus of the coalition should remain the judicial process aimed at “rescuing” the ADC.
He warned that while supporters are busy attacking each other on social media, political opponents are watching and ready to take advantage of the cracks in the alliance.
“What is important to us right now is the legal battle to secure the party’s mandate. Every distraction in the media gives our opponents the upper hand and weakens our collective stance,” he added.
Okai further expressed concern that the toxic nature of the current media war would make post-primary reconciliation nearly impossible.
He argued that the insults and divisions being sown today will create deep-seated bitterness that cannot be easily healed when the coalition eventually needs to present a united front for the general elections.
“If we do not stop this now, the damage will be permanent. You cannot spend months destroying each other and then expect to hold hands once a candidate emerges. This media war must end for the sake of the ADC and the future of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.