A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Austin Okai, has urged supporters of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to end ongoing media clashes, warning that the situation could deepen divisions ahead of future elections.
In a statement released on Friday, Okai said the escalating rhetoric between both camps is weakening opposition unity and undermining efforts to resolve the party’s leadership dispute, which is currently before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He called on both leaders to rein in their supporters and redirect their focus toward shared political objectives.
“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 warned that continued attacks could weaken the coalition’s position and create lasting divisions within the party.
“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.
He also cautioned that unresolved tensions could complicate reconciliation after party primaries.
“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.
