Atiku Under Pressure to Step Down as Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Gains Traction in ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is under growing pressure to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, as support for a proposed joint ticket between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) continues to gain momentum.

The increasing unity between the Obidient and Kwankwassiyya movements is shifting internal dynamics within the opposition party, with the ADC’s primary election looming.

Atiku’s camp, led by media mogul Dele Momodu, is pushing for an Atiku/Obi ticket, but several party figures are throwing their weight behind an Obi-Kwankwaso pairing, which they believe is the strongest option to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Sources suggest that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is backing efforts to consolidate opposition support for an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, aiming to avoid a fragmented contest like the one seen in the 2023 election.

Pressure for Atiku to Step Aside

Leaders within the ADC from both Northern and Southern regions are reportedly urging Atiku to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.

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Anambra Central Senator Victor Umeh recently suggested in a TV interview that Atiku, who has run for president multiple times since 2003, should allow younger politicians to lead the charge.

Media analyst Jimi Disu also expressed concern, claiming that if Atiku is the ADC candidate, President Tinubu would likely prevail.

He suggested that Atiku could be celebrated as a statesman if he steps down.

Atiku’s Stance

Atiku, despite the pressure, remains confident in his political strength, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

He has questioned Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano, referring to political divisions within the state.

However, Atiku has pledged to support any consensus candidate emerging from the ADC primary, including Obi if he wins the nomination.

Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Gains Momentum

Supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement are intensifying their efforts to ensure the alliance secures the ADC ticket.

Habibu Mohammad, spokesperson for the Kwankwassiyya Movement, confirmed ongoing discussions aimed at solidifying the two leaders’ partnership.

He noted that Kwankwaso is willing to accept a vice-presidential role if it strengthens the opposition’s chances of defeating President Tinubu.

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Both movements are focused on ensuring that the ADC primary process remains credible, warning against the influence of money in determining the outcome.

Divisions and Clashes Among Supporters

The battle for the ADC ticket has led to heated exchanges among supporters. Atiku’s loyalist AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar threatened nationwide protests if Atiku steps down, sparking a strong response from Obi-Kwankwaso supporters, who argue that Obi is the only one who can lead the party to victory.

Meanwhile, ADC leader Austin Okai has called for calm, warning that further escalation could divide the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

As discussions continue, the ADC’s upcoming primary is shaping up to be a critical moment in Nigeria’s political space and a key factor in the strategy to challenge the incumbent administration.

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