Atiku Abubakar, former Nigerian Vice President, is currently facing mounting pressure to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition as the Kwankwassiyya movement led by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Obidient movement loyal to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi join forces ahead of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary election.
DAILY POST reports that while Atiku’s camp, led by Dele Momodu, is pushing hard for an Atiku/Obi ticket, other party faithful are rooting for Obi and Kwankwaso to fly the ADC flag in the much anticipated election.
Although some party stakeholders believe that the ADC cannot win the election without Obi as the presidential candidate, others are of the opinion that Atiku is more experienced and will garner more votes from the North.
Reports indicate that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is behind the push for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket, while he is also advocating a unified opposition against President Bola Tinubu.
Political insiders are saying that the renewed call for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket was aimed at weakening Atiku’s grip on the opposition and preventing a repeat of the fragmented 2023 contest.
Call for Atiku to step down
DAILY POST gathered at the weekend that ADC stakeholders both in the North and Southern parts of the country are currently mounting pressure on Atiku to step down for the younger generation.
While some party bigwigs are reportedly reaching out to the former VP covertly, others have publicly voiced out their stance.
Recently, Anambra Central Senator, Victor Umeh in an interview on national TV, said Atiku should give way for those younger than him, stating that the former VP is a respected figure in Nigerian politics and has been running for presidency since 2003.
Similarly, a popular media analyst, content provider and blogger, Jimi Disu said President Tinubu will still win the election if ADC fields Atiku.
According to him, Atiku would be regarded as a hero if he agrees to stop down for a younger person.
“Atiku would be a hero if he steps aside, it doesn’t have to be him. If it’s Atiku versus Tinubu in 2027, I can already predict the result”, he said.
Atiku’s stand
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has maintained that none of the other presidential aspirants in ADC can match his electoral strength, especially in the Northern Region.
The former VP said that Kwankwaso no longer dominates Kano, stressing that the state is now split between Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf.
Atiku, however, publicly pledged to support any consensus candidate that emerges democratically, stating: “Yes, I will step aside for any winner”.
When asked if that includes Obi, he replied: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
Kwankwassiyya and Obidient movements unite against Atiku ahead of primary
Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso under the aegis of the recently launched Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, have joined forces to ensure that no other aspirant clinches the party’s presidential ticket.
The spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Mohammad, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, expressed optimism that Obi and Kwankwaso will emerge presidential and vice presidential candidates of the ADC.
He said, “We are working together and talks are ongoing to make sure that we achieve something in common.
“I can confirm to you that the alignment is taking a shift. My principal is actually willing to get involved in anything that can legally take Tinubu out of office. He is open to any role.
“My principal, Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize Obi. He is ready for anything that will help ADC unseat President Tinubu.
“The primary election is not going to be delegates like before and that is why the Kwankwassiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement are aligning. We are forging together to give a good outing against those who want to use dollars.
“Instead of going solo individually, we are now putting forces together. We are not going to give in to any primary that is not credible.
“We are praying and expecting Atiku to play the role of father to us all so that we can continue to give him the respect he deserves”.
Choice of presidential candidate divides Atiku, Obi/Kwankwaso supporters
DAILY POST reports that the battle for the ADC presidential ticket has triggered division between Atiku’s supporters and those clamouring for Obi and Kwankwaso.
While supporters of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso joint ticket are on one side, backers of Atiku Abubakar are on the other.
One of Atiku’s top online supporters, AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar threatened in a recent post in X that there would be a nationwide protest if Atiku steps down for any other aspirant.
“If Atiku decides to step down for another candidate ahead of 2027, a nationwide protest will inevitably follow.
“Nigerians will not settle for missing another chance to experience good governance and true democracy”, he said.
The post attracted heavy backlash, especially from Obi-Kwankwaso supporters, who rejected AbdulAziz’s view and insisted that ADC can only win if Obi is on the ballot.
Buttressing AbdulAziz’s stance, the Arewa Source in a post on X declared that “Peter Obi supporters are his biggest enemies.
“The North will reject any ticket with Peter Obi on the ballot. Insulting Atiku Abubakar is the same as insulting the whole of Northern Nigeria”.
However, an ADC chieftain, Austin Okai, while reacting to the media war, called on supporters of Atiku and Obi to halt the exchanges between their camps.
Okai warned that the escalating rhetoric could further deepen political tensions ahead of the future election.