2027 Presidential Race: El-Rufai, Obi May Exit ADC Over Atiku’s Ambition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces internal turmoil as key figures clash over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions for 2027. BusinessDay investigations reveal growing tensions that threaten the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
Atiku’s Presidential Bid Divides ADC Leadership
Reliable sources within the ADC confirm that Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor and prominent party member, strongly opposes Atiku’s plan to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform. This disagreement stems from El-Rufai’s firm stance that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South until 2031.
An anonymous member of the ADC’s interim management team expressed concerns: “The ambition of the former vice president may weaken the party unless he agrees to back down. Everyone is enthusiastic about the new coalition, but Atiku Abubakar’s plans to contest may ruin our chances.”
Southern Presidential Candidates Emerge
Political observers note that two prominent southern politicians have already signaled interest in the 2027 presidency:
- Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor
- Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate
The ADC official emphasized that while the party won’t prevent Atiku from running, they will ensure “a level-playing field” for all aspirants.
Datti’s Strategic Move Back to Labour Party
In related developments, Ahmed Datti, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has reportedly returned to the party. Katch Ononuju, an ADC member and director-general of The Heritage Center in Abuja, explained this move as part of a broader strategy.
“It’s now clearer that Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions will make it impossible for a southern candidate to emerge on the ADC platform in 2027,” Ononuju stated. “This mirrors what happened in 2023 when the Obidient group abandoned PDP for Labour Party.”
Historical Political Alliances Resurface
Ononuju drew parallels to previous political coalitions:
- 1993: Alliance between David Mark and Atiku Abubakar
- 2013: Coalition of CPC, ACN, and New PDP
He praised El-Rufai for maintaining his position on a southern candidate but noted the former governor stands alone in this stance within the ADC leadership.
Political Analysts Weigh In on Coalition Prospects
John Enemari, a prominent Benue politician and AA chairman, identified greed and selfishness as major obstacles to forming a united opposition front against the ruling APC.
“Unless ADC leaders unite, collapse individual ambitions, and forge a common front, Nigeria can’t expect much from them,” Enemari cautioned. He referenced the successful 2013 coalition that brought APC to power in 2015 as a model, emphasizing the need for credible candidates over highest bidders.
Labour Party’s Position on Peter Obi
Obiora Ifoh, Labour Party’s national publicity secretary, clarified the party’s stance regarding Peter Obi’s potential 2027 candidacy:
- The party welcomes Ahmed Datti’s peace-building efforts
- Obidient movement remains integral to LP but exists across parties
- No automatic ticket guaranteed for Peter Obi
“We will allow Peter Obi to contest like any other interested candidate,” Ifoh stated. “The party is putting its house in order and moving forward.”
Regional Representation Concerns Surface
Enemari highlighted regional representation issues in Nigerian politics, using the Idoma people of Benue State as an example. Despite having nine of the state’s 23 local governments, they’ve never produced a governor.
“If parties continue giving tickets to highest bidders,” Enemari warned, “some regions will never get the opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president.”
As the 2027 elections approach, political observers will closely monitor whether opposition parties can overcome internal divisions and present a united front against the ruling APC.
Full credit to the original publisher: BusinessDay