Coalition Of Trouble: Peter Obi in Dilemma as Atiku chances to secure ADC presidential ticket deepen

As the political landscape in Nigeria heats up in anticipation of the 2027 presidential elections, tensions are mounting within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

If there’s one politician under intense pressure right now, it has to be Peter Obi.

Recent discussions have revealed that some influential leaders within the party are signaling a preference for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Peter Obi, a development that could have significant implications for the coalition’s future.

Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi have all made the strategic decision to join the ADC after parting ways with their respective political parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC). This realignment marks one of the most noteworthy shake-ups in Nigerian politics since the country transitioned away from military rule in 1999.

Amid this growing political reshuffle, certain figures from President Bola Tinubu’s APC are also backing the ADC’s formation, indicating a broader coalition that could reshape the political dynamics in the country. However, internal divisions have already surfaced, particularly regarding the presidential nomination for the upcoming election.

The atmosphere surrounding Peter Obi’s potential candidacy has turned increasingly fraught. This is largely attributed to comments made by Katchy Ononuju, Obi’s former Special Adviser on Public Affairs during the 2023 elections. Ononuju indicated that should Obi decide to leave the ADC and contest on a different political platform, it could lead to the collapse of the party. This assertion has prompted speculation about Obi’s commitment to the coalition.

While it is clear that the ADC is considering multiple options for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s camp has been vocal in its support for him to lead the ticket in 2027.

Inside sources suggest that, amongst the three potential candidates—Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi—Atiku holds a considerable advantage due to his political experience and established networks. There is a growing sentiment among many leaders within the party who are expressing discomfort with the idea of Peter Obi as the standard-bearer.

As these political dynamics evolve, the ADC faces the challenge of unifying its members while navigating competing ambitions and external pressures. The outcome of this intra-party contest will significantly influence the direction of the ADC as it prepares for what is shaping up to be a pivotal election cycle in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, claimed that Obi, is set to dump LP for PDP.