Pressure mounts on Atiku as Obi, Kwankwaso camps align ahead of ADC presidential primary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is facing increasing pressure to reconsider his reported 2027 presidential ambition as rival blocs within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensify efforts to produce a consensus candidate ahead of the party’s primary election.

The growing tension comes amid an emerging alliance between the Kwankwassiyya movement loyal to former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Obidient movement backing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

While Atiku’s camp, reportedly led by media personality Dele Momodu, is said to be canvassing support for an Atiku/Obi ticket, other stakeholders within the ADC are advocating for a joint Obi/Kwankwaso candidacy to fly the party’s flag in 2027.

Party insiders say opinions remain sharply divided. Some believe the ADC stands a stronger chance nationally with Obi as presidential candidate, citing his appeal among young and urban voters. Others argue that Atiku’s long-standing political structure and influence in Northern Nigeria make him the most formidable contender against incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Reports also suggest that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing efforts to build a unified opposition front, allegedly favouring an Obi/Kwankwaso ticket as part of a broader strategy to avoid a fragmented contest similar to the 2023 general election.

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Over the weekend, ADC stakeholders from both the North and the South were said to have intensified calls for Atiku to step aside in favour of a younger candidate.

Anambra Central Senator Victor Umeh, speaking during a national television interview, urged Atiku to give way to younger aspirants. He acknowledged the former Vice President’s stature in Nigerian politics but noted that Atiku has been contesting presidential elections since 2003.

Similarly, media analyst Jimi Disu argued that the ADC may struggle to defeat Tinubu if it fields Atiku as its candidate. According to him, Atiku would be celebrated as a statesman if he voluntarily steps down.

“If it’s Atiku versus Tinubu in 2027, I can already predict the result,” Disu said, suggesting that a generational shift may boost the party’s chances.

Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has maintained that his electoral strength—particularly in the North—remains unmatched within the ADC.

He reportedly dismissed claims that Kwankwaso commands overwhelming influence in Kano State, arguing that political control in the state is now divided between Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf.

Nevertheless, Atiku has publicly pledged to support any consensus candidate that emerges through a democratic process.

“Yes, I will step aside for any winner,” he said when asked about the possibility. When specifically questioned about backing Obi, he responded: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”

Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso under the banner of the recently launched Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement have declared their intention to consolidate forces to secure the ADC ticket.

Habibu Mohammad, spokesperson of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, confirmed that discussions are ongoing between both camps. He expressed optimism that Obi and Kwankwaso could emerge as presidential and vice-presidential candidates respectively.

“My principal, Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize Obi. He is ready for anything that will help ADC unseat President Tinubu,” Mohammad said, adding that the alliance is focused on ensuring a credible primary process.

He also appealed to Atiku to play what he described as a “fatherly role” in the unfolding political realignment.

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The battle for the ADC ticket has spilled onto social media, with supporters of the various aspirants engaging in heated exchanges.

One of Atiku’s prominent online supporters, AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, warned that there could be nationwide protests if Atiku steps down for another aspirant—remarks that drew criticism from Obi-Kwankwaso supporters.

In response, some pro-Obi voices argued that the ADC’s electoral viability hinges on Obi’s candidacy, while a Northern advocacy platform, Arewa Source, cautioned that any ticket featuring Obi could face resistance in parts of the North.

Amid the growing rhetoric, ADC chieftain Austin Okai called for restraint, urging supporters of both camps to halt hostile exchanges to prevent further political polarization ahead of the 2027 elections.

The unfolding contest within the ADC highlights the broader challenge facing opposition forces seeking to mount a united front against the ruling party in 2027.

With negotiations intensifying and alliances shifting, the party’s primary election is shaping up to be a critical moment that could determine not only its electoral prospects but also the broader configuration of Nigeria’s opposition politics.