Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, saying he was accustomed to securing party tickets without participating in primary elections.
Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, BabachirLawal has said Obi was never fully committed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Melaye made the remarks in a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, where he questioned Obi’s ability to manage the challenges of governing Nigeria if he could not withstand internal party crises.
According to the former lawmaker, Obi’s reported decision to leave the ADC showed an unwillingness to face political turbulence.
“Peter Obi excused himself from a tough situation. If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria?” Melaye wrote.
He added that the country’s challenges were far greater than the internal issues confronting political parties, insisting that leadership required resilience under pressure.
Melaye further alleged that Obi had never secured any of his previous political tickets through competitive primaries.
He claimed that Obi received the governorship ticket of the All ProgressivesGrand Alliance (APGA) without a contest, was handed the vice-presidential ticket by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and also emerged as LabourParty’s presidential candidate without going through a primary process.
The former senator also alleged that Obi left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later the ADC in search of another “free ticket.”
Melaye went on to describe the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the platform Obi is reportedly linked with, as an agency of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On his part, Lawal insisted Obi was never fully committed to the ADC.
Lawal spoke during a Prime Time interview on Arise Television, where he addressed recent developments within the party.
“We never felt his heart was in it,” Lawal said, referring to Obi’s involvement in the party.
According to him, Obi joined the coalition after it had already taken shape and did not fully integrate into its structure.
Lawal disclosed that the party leadership made efforts to accommodate Obi by allowing him to nominate the organising secretary, a position he described as central to a party’s electoral process.
He said the move was intended to reassure Obi of transparency within the system, but concerns about his level of commitment persisted.
The former SGF further suggested that Obi’s departure might be linked to his reluctance to participate in a competitive primary process.
Lawal maintained that the ADC remained committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, noting that the party comprised individuals with varying political ambitions.
Chuks Okocha
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