Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has intervened to de-escalate rising tensions within the opposition coalition, following sharp exchanges between his supporters and backers of Peter Obi regarding the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This intervention comes after weeks of intense online debates, particularly on X, since Peter Obi’s defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC in December, a move he stated was to forge a stronger opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi’s supporters, notably members of the Obidient Movement, have been vocal in urging Atiku to support Obi’s bid for the ADC presidential ticket. However, this pressure has been met with resistance from Atiku’s loyalists, exacerbating divisions within the coalition and sparking concerns about internal unity leading up to the 2027 elections.
On Tuesday, Atiku publicly urged for calm and restraint, cautioning that attacks on either himself or Obi would only weaken the opposition and inadvertently benefit the APC. In a post on X, the former vice president implored supporters to cease what he termed a “self-destructive civil war” within the coalition, emphasizing unity.
Featured snippet paragraph: The answer is that Atiku Abubakar has publicly appealed for restraint among his supporters and Peter Obi’s backers to prevent internal conflict within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, warning that such disputes weaken the opposition and benefit the ruling APC.
Atiku’s appeal was a direct response to an X user’s accusation that Atiku’s supporters were targeting Peter Obi without expecting reciprocal criticism. The user suggested that Atiku’s followers might believe Atiku deserves respect while Obi does not, highlighting a perceived imbalance in the discourse.
Dele Momodu, an ADC chieftain and an associate of Atiku, also voiced concerns about the escalating aggression within the party, warning that unchecked infighting could destabilize the coalition before it solidifies its position.
Momodu advised the ADC leadership against allowing any faction or individual to introduce “aggression and rambunctiousness” into the coalition, stressing that the ADC was established as a voluntary platform based on internal democracy, not entitlement.
The friction within the coalition has primarily revolved around debates concerning zoning and political succession. Obi’s supporters are advocating for the ADC’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, citing a public inclination towards a southern candidate following President Muhammadu Buhari’s two terms.
Both Atiku and Obi have expressed their intentions to contest for the ADC presidential ticket, intensifying the jockeying among their respective supporters. However, the party’s leadership has indicated a focus on repositioning the ADC as a credible alternative to the APC rather than immediately addressing zoning discussions.
Despite Atiku’s call for peace, differing opinions persist regarding the potential outcome of the ADC primaries. Dr Umar Ardo, a former PDP governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, believes Obi would face significant challenges securing the ADC presidential ticket if Atiku remains in contention.
Ardo asserted that Atiku is the dominant figure within the coalition and the likely frontrunner for the party’s flagbearer position, stating that Atiku would win any primary held by the ADC.
He further elaborated that Obi’s prospects are largely contingent on Atiku’s personal decision, suggesting that Obi could only become the party’s candidate if Atiku chooses to step aside.
Ardo did acknowledge Obi’s electoral appeal, recognizing his support base as a crucial asset for the coalition and a central element in the ADC’s strategy for 2027.
Meanwhile, pressure from Obi’s allies continues to mount, with some insisting that he should not accept a vice-presidential role in any coalition arrangement. Political economist Pat Utomi has even threatened to withdraw his support if Obi agrees to a running mate position, while activist Aisha Yesufu and other Obidient Movement leaders have publicly stated that Obi must run for the presidency.
