Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is under mounting pressure to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition as the alliance between former Anambra Governor Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso gathers significant support within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Kwankwassiyya movement and the Obidient movement have joined forces under the newly formed OK Movement ahead of the ADC primary election.
Stakeholders in both the North and South are urging Atiku to step aside for younger candidates to avoid repeating the fragmented opposition seen in 2023.
While Atiku’s camp, led by figures like Dele Momodu, is pushing for an Atiku/Obi ticket, many ADC faithful favour a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, with Kwankwaso reportedly willing to serve as running mate to Obi in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is said to be advocating strongly for the Obi-Kwankwaso combination to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) openly stated that Atiku should give way for younger aspirants, noting that the former VP has been contesting the presidency since 2003. Media analyst Jimi Disu added that Atiku “would be a hero if he steps aside,” arguing that another Atiku-Tinubu matchup would likely yield the same result as in 2023.
In response, Atiku maintained that no other aspirant can match his electoral strength, particularly in the North. However, he pledged: “Yes, I will step aside for any winner... Of course, if [Obi] is a contender, why not?”
Kwankwassiyya Movement spokesperson Habibu Mohammad confirmed ongoing talks, saying: “My principal [Kwankwaso] has agreed to deputize Obi. He is ready for anything that will help ADC unseat President Tinubu... We are praying and expecting Atiku to play the role of father to us all.”
The push has sparked divisions within the ADC. Some Atiku supporters, including top online backer AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, have warned of nationwide protests if Atiku steps down.
Others have threatened Northern rejection of any ticket featuring Obi.ADC chieftain Austin Okai appealed for calm, urging supporters of both Atiku and Obi to halt inflammatory exchanges to prevent deepening tensions.
The developments signal a major realignment in the opposition ahead of 2027, with the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket gaining traction as a potential unifying force.
Atiku, however, remains firm in his ambition while promising to support any consensus democratic candidate chosen by the party.
The ADC primary is expected to be a decisive battleground for the opposition’s 2027 strategy.
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