A brewing rivalry between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi has deepened divisions within the opposition coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, composed of political heavyweights such as former Senate President David Mark (acting National Chairman), former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola (acting National Secretary), and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, had united to present a common front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the unity is now being tested by disagreements over who should clinch the coalition’s presidential ticket.
Despite widespread belief that the presidency should return to the South in 2027, Atiku from the north, has signaled his intent to run again.
In a video posted Saturday on his verified X handle, the former vice president hinted at running for president declaring, “We will decisively deal with anyone who says he will steal or engage in any corrupt practice.
“We will fight him, I swear. Enough is enough! Every nation is progressing but Nigeria’s growth is hindered by a few elements.”
In an accompanying caption, Atiku stressed that the coalition was determined to turn things around for Nigerians:
“Nigerians cannot continue to suffer amidst an abundance of resources owing to bad governance. The coalition of opposition leaders under the ADC umbrella will work hard to transform the lives of Nigerians.”
Atiku’s loyalists argue that he remains the most experienced and battle-tested politician capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu, especially amid mounting public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
However, others within the coalition, particularly supporters of Peter Obi, disagree.
Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, warned that Atiku may not be the most strategic choice for 2027.
“If you bring out Atiku, they know how to work against Atiku,” Baba-Ahmed said during a media appearance.
“He is welcome to win. If he wins, we will support him. But you need that candidate they can’t understand, they don’t know where to catch — that is how to win an election.”
The former senator further argued that Obi, having garnered over 10 million votes in 2023, should not settle for a vice-presidential role again.
“With due respect to Atiku, he has consistently contested all the last six elections, and this will be the seventh.
“Tell me who among us is willing to step aside and support another for eight years before taking a turn?
“Tinubu did it — he supported Buhari before working his way to the presidency.”
“The position of VP is very big. Anyway, I wanted to be, and I was rigged out. But I think Peter Obi should not be a VP, having gotten a disputed 10 million votes.”
The division spilled onto social media, with a top Obi supporter simply identified as ‘Nefertiti’ issuing a warning on X that millions of Obi’s supporters could walk away if the coalition fails to give him the ticket.
“If the Coalition fails to give Peter Obi their ticket, I and the millions that voted wisely will bail,” she wrote.
“This is 2025. Nigerians want the best man for the job.”
She also dismissed the importance of the vice presidency in Nigeria’s power structure:
“The Constitution of Nigeria assigned no specific roles to a Vice President.”
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, however responded swiftly, cautioning against threats and urging a democratic process.
“It is a fundamental dictate of democracy for the minority to have their say and majority to have their way,” Ibe said.
“Tickets are not given. They are contested for. Tickets are not earned by threats. They are earned by persuasion. Tickets are not earned through crisis. They are earned by consensus.”
He further advised Obi’s supporters to build bridges rather than burn them:
“It is within your democratic rights to pitch for a candidate of your choice. But it is anti-democratic to threaten, intimidate, or harass others who are also entitled to canvass for the interest of their own preferred candidates.
“Commence the process of building a consensus and not a conflict around the candidate of your choice.”
With Rotimi Amaechi also reportedly interested in the ticket and two others, some of whom are from the North, the ADC coalition may soon face its first internal primary battle that could make or mar the party.
