A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Ladan Salihu, has called on Pat Utomi and supporters of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to remain calm amid discussions over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Salihu’s remarks come after Utomi indicated he might withdraw support for Obi if the former governor accepted a vice-presidential role in a potential opposition coalition following his defection to the ADC.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Salihu emphasized the importance of strengthening the party’s structure and building a strong opposition platform, rather than focusing prematurely on the presidential contest.

“Pat Utomi has spoken too soon. He should calm down and focus,” Salihu said, urging restraint among party members.

He explained that the current priority for ADC is to expand membership, consolidate the party, and communicate its vision to Nigerians nationwide.

Addressing the demands of Obi’s supporters, popularly called Obidients, for the former governor to automatically become the party’s presidential candidate, Salihu cautioned against such preconditions.

“In politics, you don’t join a party with preconditions,” he said. “Members should compete through democratic processes, earn votes, and allow delegates to decide the outcome.”

Salihu warned that a “win-or-nothing” approach is undemocratic and could harm the broader goal of strengthening the opposition.

“The idea of telling Nigerians that it’s either my candidate wins or nothing is anti-democratic,” he added.