In what can be characterized as a significant political maneuvering, there is an impending clash within the coalition surrounding the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
The ADC, having recently emerged as a coalition party, finds itself at a crossroads, with three prominent politicians vying for the opportunity to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming electoral race.…CONTINUEREADING
The party has been witnessing intense political factionalism, with various camps attempting to secure the presidential nomination despite claims by party leaders that the ADC was not founded on personal ambition.
Tensions are escalating, however, as factions gear up to outmaneuver one another, especially given the backdrop of recent defections from other political parties.
A significant narrative has emerged regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with allegations surfacing that he seeks to position himself as the ADC’s candidate.
Meanwhile, many party supporters argue for the importance of zoning the ticket to the southern region, given that the current president hails from the south. Opting for another candidate from the south could provide a strategic advantage, creating momentum for the party.
In this scenario, potential candidates like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi find themselves in the spotlight.
Obi, with his substantial national support, seems to be the preferred choice among the electorate, while Amaechi struggles to extend his influence beyond his home state and is viewed as lacking significant political weight in other regions of the country.
Despite these considerations, recent developments suggest that neither Obi nor Amaechi stands a strong chance of securing the ticket, as pressure mounts on Atiku from certain party stakeholders to withdraw his candidacy in favor of one of the southern contenders.
An inside source within the party has noted that a significant confrontation may arise between Atiku’s camp and that of Peter Obi, given Atiku’s apparent ambitions to claim the party’s presidential nomination.
In a strategic move, Obi may opt to return to the Labour Party if his chances within ADC diminish further, particularly if Atiku were to select Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 elections.
Recently supporters of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, popularly known as the ‘Obidients’, in Abia State, have urged former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to shelve his rumoured presidential ambition in 2027, and throw his weight behind Obi to pick the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Abia State Chairman of the Organising Committee and one of the Coordinators of the Obidients in the state, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, appealed to Atiku to sacrifice his presidential ambition in support of Obi, who has the quick fix to Nigeria’s challenges.
“Amaechi is primarily seeking relevance within the political landscape. He recognizes that his chances of obtaining the ticket are slim, but the real battle will occur between the factions of Atiku and Obi, as both sides are covertly strategizing for their advantage.
However, it’s worth noting that there is significant distrust of Peter Obi among certain party insiders, and Atiku has made it clear he will not step aside for Obi. Some party stakeholders also express skepticism, suggesting that Obi may struggle against Tinubu, particularly given that northern voters are unlikely to support him in significant numbers. The dynamics of this election appear markedly different from 2023, when Obi garnered votes in northern regions.”the source said.
Meanwhile, The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the ongoing coalition talks are not centered on any individual candidate, including Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi, but focused on building a stronger alliance for Nigeria’s future.
The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday.
“The coalition has nothing to do with either Peter Obi or Atiku. They are just members like many others. The focus is not on them. And of course, it is within anyone’s right to have political ambitions or to run for any position,” he said.
The same attitude fragmented pdp prior to 2023 primaries. I advise my in_ law Atiku to shelve his ambition and support Obi for one term. He can come at 80 yrs and our entire vote of the south east will be for him during which he will groom Datti as vice who will do the remaining 4 yrs for the north . Atiku is not bad but will surely loose the Eastern vote if Obi is not the candidate. You need at least two strong reigions to defeat Atiku as overwhelmingly as the 2023 which forced the apc into broard day stealing . I beg of you Turakin Adamawa. I have for decades been your fan and supporter.
Practically, the zeal and passion Atiku has for Nigeria as at those days can’t be found in him now. Today, he’s desperate and sees nothing wrong in what he’s working for. He’s age is one thing and another is his plans to take Nigeria 🇳🇬 to greater level. Peter Obi is currently the answer right from Atiku’s ward down to the whole of Northern regions. We, members of League of Democrats ( LOD )with our teeming votes wish to plead with Atiku to step down for Peter Obi.
The optimal good news here is that as Atiku’s fan before, during and after my days in Adamawa, i will cast my vote for him any time any day but not and never when he’s contesting with Peter Obi. As a Democrat, he should give Peter Obi his maximum support, with that he has paved way for 100% support from Igbos scattered all over the world and the entire nation who actually believes in Peter Obi.