Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race ahead of the party’s 2027 primary. The call comes from the Kwankwassiyya movement, led by former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Obidient movement, loyal to former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, which have joined forces to shape the party’s ticket.
Media Talk Africa reports that Atiku’s camp, headed by media veteran Dele Momodu, is advocating an Atiku‑Obi ticket, while a growing segment of ADC members prefer an Obi‑Kwankwaso ticket. Party insiders are divided: some argue the ADC cannot win without Obi as the presidential candidate, whereas others contend that Atiku’s experience and northern base would secure more votes.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly backing the Obi‑Kwankwaso option and urging a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu. Insiders say the renewed push for the Obi‑Kwankwaso ticket aims to weaken Atiku’s influence and avoid a repeat of the fragmented 2023 opposition.
Pressure on Atiku intensified over the weekend, with ADC stakeholders from both northern and southern regions urging him to make way for a younger candidate. Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central told national television that Atiku, a respected figure who has contested the presidency since 2003, should step aside for the next generation. Media analyst and blogger Jimi Disu echoed the sentiment, warning that fielding Atiku could guarantee Tinubu’s victory. “If Atiku steps aside, he would be a hero,” Disu said.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, maintains that his electoral strength, particularly in the north, surpasses that of any ADC contender. He noted that Kwankwaso no longer dominates Kano, which is now split between Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf. Nonetheless, Atiku pledged to support any democratically selected consensus candidate, adding, “If Obi is a contender, why not?”
The newly formed Obi‑Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, comprising supporters of both leaders, seeks to prevent any other aspirant from securing the ADC ticket. Habibu Mohammad, spokesperson for the Kwankwassiyya movement, told Daily Post that talks are ongoing to align the two camps. He stated that Kwankwaso is willing to “deputize Obi” and that the primary will differ from past delegate‑based elections. Mohammad said the alliance aims to “unseat President Tinubu” and urged Atiku to act as a “father” to the movement.
The contest for the ADC’s presidential nomination has produced sharp divisions. Online supporter AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar warned of nationwide protests if Atiku steps down, while Arewa Source posted that “Peter Obi supporters are his biggest enemies” and that the north would reject any ticket featuring Obi. ADC chieftain Austin Okai called on both camps to cease hostile exchanges, cautioning that escalating rhetoric could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 election.
The outcome of the ADC primary will shape the opposition’s strategy against the incumbent administration and could influence the broader dynamics of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest.
