Africa

Nigeria’s Obi Quits Opposition Coalition in Boost for Tinubu

Peter Obi delivers a speech during a campaign rally in Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.Photographer: Benson Ibeabuchi/Bloomberg

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By Anthony Osae-Brown and Nduka Orjinmo

May 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC

Updated on

May 4, 2026 at 11:21 AM UTC

One of Nigeria’s top opposition politicians quit a coalition that planned to run against President Bola Tinubu in January 2027 elections, improving the incumbent’s chances of retaining power.

Peter Obi, a popular figure among Nigeria’s young and urban voters, announced his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress in a post on X Monday, citing “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.”