Peter Obi’s path to ADC’s presidential ticket dependent on Atiku Abubakar — Umar Ardo
Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats, has stated that former Anambra Governor Peter Obi can only become the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar voluntarily steps aside.
Ardo made the remarks on Tuesday, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
According to him, Atiku is currently the frontrunner in ADC, and under the party’s existing structure and support base, he would secure the nomination almost inevitably.
Ardo emphasised, “If ADC goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times.
”There is absolutely no doubt about that. How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what will determine the election”, he added.
He also clarified that Obi could only become ADC’s candidate if Atiku steps down, highlighting that while Obi’s political influence is significant, the internal dynamics of the party currently favour Atiku.
Despite this, Ardo acknowledged Obi’s importance to the party, citing his strong voter base and influence, saying Obi is said to “control more than six million votes,” a figure that makes him a strategic asset for the ADC.
The party sees his presence as essential to strengthening its chances in the 2027 general election.
Obi formally declared his affiliation with the ADC after months of discussions with party leaders.
At an event in Enugu on December 31, 2025, he framed his decision as a new beginning for rescuing Nigeria from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and promoting inclusive socio-economic development.
Obi stated, ”We have all watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to destroying our democracy, either through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition.
”We cannot allow this to happen; we will resist it.”
Apart from Obi and Atiku, ADC has attracted other prominent opposition figures, including such as Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State and
David Mark, former Senate President.
This coalition has aligned with ADC as their platform for the 2027 election, positioning the party as a key player in the opposition bloc against the APC.
Atiku’s potential dominance in ADC’s primaries could prevent Obi from securing the ticket unless there is a voluntary concession.
Obi’s voter base provides strategic leverage, giving him bargaining power within the party.
The alliance between Obi and ADC represents a shift in Nigerian opposition politics, consolidating former Labour Party figures under a new banner in preparation for the next general election.
In essence, the report outlines a clear power dynamic within ADC: Atiku currently leads, but Obi’s influence makes him indispensable.
His path to the ticket hinges on either Atiku stepping aside or a strategic compromise within the party.
The 2027 election campaign is already shaping up to be a complex contest of alliances and political negotiations.
