An African Democratic Congress chieftain, Austin Okai, has called on supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to halt the ongoing media exchanges between their camps, warning that the escalating rhetoric could further deepen political tensions ahead of future elections.
In a statement released on Friday, Okai observed that the growing tension between both groups is undermining opposition unity and may weaken ongoing efforts to resolve the party’s leadership dispute, which is currently being adjudicated in court.
Recently, supporters of Atiku and Obi have become engaged in an intense media war as the contest for the ADC presidential ticket continues to escalate.
Okai urged Atiku and Obi to caution their supporters and clearly set guidelines to channel their energy toward shared goals instead of internal disputes.
The statement read, “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.”
Okai stressed that the coalition’s main priority should remain the court process aimed at “rescuing” the ADC.
He cautioned that as supporters trade attacks on social media, political opponents are closely watching and could exploit divisions within 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,” the statement added.
Okai also raised concern that the ongoing toxic media war could make reconciliation after the primaries difficult.
He said the insults and divisions being created now may lead to lasting bitterness that could hinder efforts to unite the coalition ahead of 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,” he concluded.