Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usman Austin Okai, has raised concerns about media hostilities between supporters of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Okai, in a statement issued on Friday, warned that the ongoing media war is a dangerous distraction and a dire threat to the ADC coalition.
He stressed that it could jeopardise efforts to resolve the party’s leadership tussle currently before the courts.
Okai urged Atiku and Peter Obi to be more decisive in defining a “mode of operation” for their supporters, ensuring their energy is directed toward common goals rather than internal bickering.
He emphasised that the primary focus of the coalition should remain the judicial process aimed at rescuing the David Mark-led faction of the ADC.
Okai warned that while supporters are busy attacking each other on social media, political opponents are watching and ready to exploit cracks in the alliance.
He said, “We are at the Supreme Court, patiently praying and waiting for a favourable outcome that will return our party to us, yet the supporters of these two gladiators are engaged in a proxy media war.
“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.
“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.”
Okai further 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.
He added, “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.”