ABUJA — The fragile alliance within Nigeria’s leading opposition coalition reached a boiling point today as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally rejected pleas to withdraw his 2027 presidential bid in favour of Peter Obi.
Instead, Atiku is demanding direct primaries within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between the two political heavyweights.
The Rift Over Leadership
The disagreement centers on the leadership of a broad opposition front aimed at unseating the incumbent administration. While supporters of Peter Obi have intensified calls for a united ticket led by the former Anambra Governor, Atiku has dismissed the notion of stepping aside as a “hallucination,” asserting that the presidency is not a chieftaincy title to be handed over but a position to be earned through the democratic process.
The disagreement centers on the leadership of a broad opposition front aimed at unseating the incumbent administration. While supporters of Peter Obi have intensified calls for a united ticket led by the former Anambra Governor, Atiku has dismissed the notion of stepping aside as a “hallucination,” asserting that the presidency is not a chieftaincy title to be handed over but a position to be earned through the democratic process.
Atiku maintains that any flagbearer must emerge through a “transparent and competitive process,” rejecting the idea of a predetermined candidate based on zoning. He noted that while he might support a younger candidate if they win a fair contest, he has no intention of simply walking away from the race.
Allegations of a ‘Tinubu Agenda’
The deadlock has fueled explosive allegations within opposition circles. Some political analysts and members of the “Obidient” movement have openly accused Atiku of acting as a “Trojan Horse” for President Bola Tinubu.
The deadlock has fueled explosive allegations within opposition circles. Some political analysts and members of the “Obidient” movement have openly accused Atiku of acting as a “Trojan Horse” for President Bola Tinubu.
The theory suggests that by forcing a primary and potentially splintering the opposition’s base, Atiku is effectively sabotaging Peter Obi’s chances to ensure a Tinubu victory in 2027—allegedly as an act of political spite following their fallout in 2023.
Atiku’s Counter-Strike
Atiku has hit back at these claims, accusing the Tinubu administration of being the “master architect” of the friction. He alleged that the Presidency is deploying state-sponsored propaganda to create a rift between him and Peter Obi to facilitate the transition into a one-party state.
Atiku has hit back at these claims, accusing the Tinubu administration of being the “master architect” of the friction. He alleged that the Presidency is deploying state-sponsored propaganda to create a rift between him and Peter Obi to facilitate the transition into a one-party state.
“The APC is terrified of a united front,” Atiku said during a recent consultative meeting. “They are the ones sponsoring these narratives to ensure the opposition remains a house divided against itself.”
The Path to May 2026
With the party primary scheduled for the end of May, the ADC leadership is now in a race against time to reach a consensus. While some party elders are still pushing for a “Unity Ticket,” Atiku’s demand for a direct primary—where every registered party member votes—presents a significant logistical and political challenge for his rivals.
With the party primary scheduled for the end of May, the ADC leadership is now in a race against time to reach a consensus. While some party elders are still pushing for a “Unity Ticket,” Atiku’s demand for a direct primary—where every registered party member votes—presents a significant logistical and political challenge for his rivals.
As it stands, the opposition remains at a crossroads: unite behind a single face or face a repeat of the 2023 split that many believe handed the presidency to the APC.
