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A prominent Nigerian opposition figure has raised alarms over alleged efforts by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to consolidate control of a major political party ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections. Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claimed during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday that Abubakar is orchestrating a covert takeover of the ADC to boost his fifth presidential bid, while sidelining key allies, including Labour Party leader Peter Obi.

Kachikwu’s claims follow recent moves by Nigeria’s fractured opposition bloc to unify under the ADC’s banner. High-profile figures linked to the coalition include Abubakar, Obi, Nasir el-Rufai (former Kaduna governor), and Rotimi Amaechi (ex-transportation minister). The group aims to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. However, Kachikwu accused Abubakar of manipulating the coalition’s formation, alleging fraudulent tactics to position loyalists within the ADC’s leadership structure.

“Atiku’s men have been strategically embedded into the party’s hierarchy nationwide to secure its control,” Kachikwu asserted, claiming the former vice-president is pressuring Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot. He further argued that Abubakar’s public calls for southern Nigerian political representation contradict his alleged reluctance to endorse a southern presidential candidate. “Despite professing affinity with the south, Atiku does not believe any southerner deserves the presidency,” Kachikwu said.

The ADC stalwart described the coalition as a “carefully orchestrated agenda” dominated by aging political elites, whom he derisively termed a “coalition of geriatrics.” He warned that Obi and others risked being sidelined in a scheme designed solely to advance Abubakar’s ambitions. “I had warned that Peter Obi and other presidential hopefuls were being duped,” he emphasized, suggesting the Labour Party leader was unaware of the alleged power play.

The ADC, founded in 2005, has historically struggled to rival Nigeria’s dominant parties but gained renewed attention as a potential vessel for opposition realignment. Kachikwu’s allegations underscore deepening tensions within Nigeria’s political class as contenders jockey for position three years before the next election. Observers note the accusations could complicate efforts to unify opposition parties, a critical step in challenging the APC’s decade-long hold on power.

Neither Abubakar, Obi, nor ADC officials have publicly responded to Kachikwu’s claims. The development highlights the volatile nature of Nigerian coalition politics, where shifting alliances and internal rivalries often overshadow ideological cohesion.