INSIDE COALITION: ADC divided over Atiku, Obi’s presidential aspiration

The growing 2027 presidential ambitions of key political figures in the newly unveiled African Democratic Congress, ADC, are causing deepening divisions among supporters and stakeholders within the political coalition, as reported by DailyPost.

This is even as political maneuvers and behind-the-scenes consultations have ignited heated debates, especially on social media, among coalition supporters and intensified power struggles within the alliance.

Some watchers have also flagged the potential clash of ambitions among the contenders as a likely obstacle to the success of the coalition.

With less than two years to the next general election, the ADC-led coalition faces an uphill battle, not just against the All Progressives Congress, APC, or the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but against internal disunity.

As it stands now, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi are the leading aspirants to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.

Though Atiku has not officially declared his intention to run, the duo of Obi and Amaechi have announced their interest to wrestle power from Tinubu.

Party insiders informed DAILY POST that factions are already being formed within the coalition, with some rooting for Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate; others pledging loyalty to Obi; and a third bloc leaning towards Amaechi, a former governor and ex-Minister of Transportation under the APC.

I’ll contest for presidency – Obi insists

Peter Obi on Monday doubled down on his position to contest for presidency in 2027.

Obi said he was qualified to become president, dismissing speculations that he will become Atiku’s running mate in 2027.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, he said: “I am going to contest for the president of Nigeria and I believe I am qualified.

“Nobody has discussed with me that I’m going to be A, B or C,” Obi added when asked whether he had discussed the possibility of being Atiku’s running mate in 2027.

I’ll serve only one term – Amaechi

Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State, has also expressed interest in seeking the ADC ticket for 2027.

He came second in the 2022 presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Amaechi promised to serve only one term in the spirit of fairness and adherence to unwritten zoning agreements.

“I won’t do more than four years,” he said.

Why Atiku should emerge as candidate – Momodu

Making case on why the presidential ticket of the ADC should be handed over to Atiku, veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, said Atiku has the number, insisting he poses a serious threat to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Momodu stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday.

According to him, Atiku had been running his business, investing in education and agriculture, saying it is a good example of what a leader should be.

“I said the best choice would be my candidate. Which is what I expect the ‘Obidents’ to say, which I expect those who are supporting Rotimi Amaechi to say, there is nothing wrong with that.

“I’m looking at number one, the numbers. This game is a game of numbers. And the people who are most aggrieved today are from the northern part of Nigeria.

“He’s been running his business, investing in education, investing in agriculture. For me, this is a good example of what a leader should be.

“In Nigeria, you will never find a thug in front of Atiku’s house. For me, these are things that are presented by him, and it is my right to say those things. I’ve never asked anyone not to support Peter Obi. Obi is my very good friend today. If you ask me, one of the people that I believe should lead the coalition, it will be Obi.

“And as a Democrat, I’m appealing to them. I hope they will be able to do it democratically so that they will not say, Oh, they forced one person on them. Let us, let them all go to the fields. Let all Obidients campaign for Obi. Let all those for Atiku and Amaechi also campaign.

“So that is my belief, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I’m happy that the coalition is fully ready and prepared,” Momodu said.

Amaechi has a chance – Eze

In a terse message to DAILY POST on Tuesday, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a one-time National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New PDP and an ally of Rotimi Amaechi, said everyone should exercise little patience over the matter.

Eze expressed confidence that Amaechi has the chance of securing ADC’s presidential ticket, which he noted depends on how the delegates would vote.

He said: “Amaechi has the chance of securing the ticket depending on how the Presidential delegates of ADC decide and vote. Let us just wait and exercise a little patience in this regard.”