Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on his supporters to refrain from verbal attacks against presidential hopeful Peter Obi, cautioning that such actions could weaken opposition cohesion and ultimately benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku made the appeal on Tuesday via a post on X, as tensions reportedly rose among supporters of various opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emphasised that internal divisions do not serve the interests of the country or Nigerians.
“Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the coalition ADC, or Nigeria and Nigerians,” Atiku said.
He warned that such discord only strengthened the ruling party, which he described as “urban bandits who want to maintain the satanic status quo.”
The former vice president’s warning comes amid growing speculation over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats, stated that Obi’s chances of clinching the ADC ticket would be slim unless Atiku stepped aside.
“Well, the ADC, as it is currently constituted, if it goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times,” Ardo said, noting that Obi’s support base remained a significant asset to the party.
Obi formally joined ADC in late December 2025 after months of strategic discussions with party leaders.
At the event in Enugu, he described his move as the beginning of a renewed effort to rescue Nigeria from what he called the destructive practices of the ruling APC.
“We will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive,” he said.
Meanwhile, the APC Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution, and Mobilisation, led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, reiterated its commitment to resolving internal party disputes.
Speaking through his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, Buni said the committee would adopt strategic engagements and wide consultations to ensure all members, particularly aggrieved parties, feel included and valued.
Other committee members include governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), along with political heavyweights such as Senator Adamu Aliero, Ministers Adegboyega Oyetola and Bello Matawalle, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and former Senate President David Mark. Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN serves as the committee secretary.
Political analysts noted that the opposition’s internal cohesion will be a key factor in the 2027 election, as the ADC seeks to challenge the entrenched APC administration.
With both Atiku and Obi as influential figures, observers say careful negotiation and respect among supporters will determine the coalition’s effectiveness at the polls.
