There are strong indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) if the party selects former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Currently, the ADC has over eight prominent aspirants vying for its presidential ticket. Among them are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former governors of Kaduna, Osun, Jigawa, and Rivers states—Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Sule Lamido, and Rotimi Amaechi, respectively.
However, Obi and Atiku have emerged as the leading contenders, with public sentiment increasingly leaning toward Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, as the likely nominee.
Over the weekend, Obi was quoted as saying he had no intention of stepping down for any candidate and would run for president under the ADC banner. This contradicts earlier speculation that he might team up with Atiku as a running mate.
A source within Atiku’s camp, who spoke to Nationwide Reports on condition of anonymity, said Atiku believes he stands a stronger chance than Obi in 2027, citing his higher vote tally in the 2023 election.
“Our principal is fully committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election. He has promised to serve only one term and support his running mate to succeed him. There is no scenario where he will deputize for another candidate or step down,” the source said. “If he does not secure the ADC ticket, he will explore an alternative political platform.”
Peter Obi has also declared that he intends to serve only one four-year term if elected president, asserting that this period would be sufficient to make meaningful progress in governance.
As the ADC navigates the complexities of internal politics and coalition-building, the potential clash between Atiku and Obi may shape the direction of the 2027 race and determine whether the opposition can present a united front.
