The likelihood of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the presidential nomination of the coalition party,
African Democratic Party (ADC), appears quite low. This assessment stems from the covert maneuverings among various political figures who are actively working to undermine Atiku’s candidacy, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned political figure, seems to be playing his final card in his long-held aspiration to become the President of Nigeria—a dream that has eluded him for many years.
His previous bid in 2023, where he faced off against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ended without success. In response to his electoral defeat, Atiku has joined forces with other prominent politicians in a coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in the upcoming re-election battle.
However, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku has encountered significant opposition. Many party members have distanced themselves from him, leading to a notable exodus of PDP members who have opted to switch their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This shifting political landscape poses a daunting challenge for Atiku as he seeks to regain his footing.
Insider sources reveal that there is considerable frustration within Atiku’s camp regarding his chances of emerging as the ADC’s presidential candidate. Compounding this issue is the apparent preference of several influential politicians—some even from Northern Nigeria—to support a Southern candidate instead. Such dynamics only serve to deepen the challenges Atiku faces.
Additionally, the possibility of Peter Obi—the former Governor of Anambra State—being selected as the ADC’s representative could push Atiku to reconsider his affiliation with the PDP and gravitate toward alternative political options available to him. As the political landscape evolves, Atiku’s ambition for the presidency continues to hang in the balance, influenced by both external and internal factors.
“Atiku may dump ADC if Peter Obi emerge and that’s what some of Atiku’s supporters are waiting for. Atiku is the only politician who can battle Tinubu in 2027. And it will be a great mistake if some politicians who also want power pick Obi ahead Atiku,” the source said.
Meanwhile, a report has claimed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, are yet to formally leave their respective parties because of the unresolved issue of the 2027 presidential ticket within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources within the party, who spoke to Punch, stated that once the ADC finalises its zoning arrangement, those favoured by the outcome, particularly presidential hopefuls, will officially join the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
A source within the coalition also revealed that the party’s leadership had begun taking action on the matter, adding that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the 2027 election timetable, the ADC would activate its structures to facilitate mass defection and formal membership.
Obi has not formally joined the ADC but has openly declared his commitment to the party.
Although Atiku has not made a formal declaration, many coalition leaders strongly believe the former VP will contest the 2027 presidential election.
Obi, Atiku, and several of their high-profile loyalists remain in the LP and PDP, respectively, and have yet to officially join the ADC.
The source described the situation as disturbing, adding that they needed to join the party formally so that millions of other Nigerians could do the same.
He stated, “We expected them, or at least many of their members, to resign their legacy party memberships and formally join the ADC on or before the Wednesday unveiling of ADC as the coalition platform.
“I understand that they all want to know the direction of the coalition, whether it is going to the South or to the North. But I know that many, if not all of them, will join once the party leadership makes its position on zoning known.”
Another source revealed that the coalition was progressing as planned, noting that the decision on who would get the 2027 presidential ticket would be a significant turning point.
