APC Chieftain Tells Atiku to Quit 2027 Race, Citing His Past Stance on Zoning

Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, arguing that his ambition violates Nigeria’s zoning arrangement and reminding him of his past criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s automatic ticket bid.

Okechukwu, a former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), made the appeal while reacting to comments by the Southern Political Progressive Amalgamation Forum (SPPA), which had advised Atiku to carefully consider his choice of running mate ahead of the 2027 general election. Rejecting the group’s position, Okechukwu argued that the focus should not be on Atiku’s running mate but on preserving the zoning principle, which he said has helped maintain political balance and national unity. According to Okechukwu, pressure from groups promoting Atiku’s ambition contributed to the crisis that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “It was pressure from self-serving groups such as the Southern Political Progressive Amalgamation Forum that goaded His Excellency Atiku Abubakar to abandon the rotation convention, which led to our sister political party, PDP’s destabilisation,” he said.

The APC chieftain reminded Atiku of comments he made during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he defended the zoning principle within the PDP. In 2013, Atiku had strongly opposed a proposal by the PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Tony Anenih, to grant President Jonathan an automatic ticket for the 2015 election. Atiku had described the proposal as a “travesty of democracy” and insisted that the contest should be open to all party members. “My position remains that as far as PDP Constitution is concerned, any attempt to change the party’s rule to favour the President as a sole candidate in the event of his willingness to re-contest is unconstitutional,” Atiku had stated. Okechukwu argued that since Atiku had benefited from the zoning arrangement in the past – having served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 – he should remain committed to the principle. “As a beneficiary of the zoning arrangement, Atiku should uphold the principle and support its continued application in the interest of national cohesion, equity, and political stability,” Okechukwu stated.

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The call comes as Atiku prepares for what would be his seventh presidential bid, making him one of Nigeria’s longest-serving presidential contenders. He first contested for the presidency under the Action Congress (AC) in 2007, sought but failed to secure the PDP presidential ticket in 2011, lost the APC presidential primary before the 2015 election, and later emerged as the PDP’s presidential candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections. In the 2019 election, Atiku was defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Four years later, he mounted another strong challenge but lost to President Bola Tinubu in one of Nigeria’s closest presidential contests. Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes, while Atiku secured 6,984,520 votes and Peter Obi received 6,101,533 votes, making the 2023 election a tightly contested three-way race.

Atiku has since emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election after defeating former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen during the party’s presidential primary in May. Following the primary, Amaechi was named as Atiku’s running mate ahead of the election. The 2027 presidential election has been scheduled for January 16, having been advanced from the previously announced date of February 20. President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek a second term on the platform of the APC, while Peter Obi is contesting on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Asked whether it was too late for Atiku to withdraw from the race, Okechukwu insisted that the former vice president still had time to change course. “It is never too late to make amends; he should be a statesman, and instead of hurling blame and barbs at President Tinubu, he should use the few months left to forge a strong opposition,” he said. The appeal aligns with similar statements from other political figures. Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has declared that Atiku lacks the grassroots political structures in Northern Nigeria to defeat President Tinubu in 2027. Okechukwu himself had earlier described Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition as a “mirage” in the face of Nigeria’s entrenched North-South zoning arrangement. “Zoning remains the irreducible minimum in Nigeria’s power-sharing formula. No amount of foreign image laundering can override a deeply rooted domestic consensus built on equity, fairness, and national cohesion,” he had said.

APC Chieftain Tells Atiku to Quit 2027 Race, Citing His Past Stance on Zoning

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of removing a campaign billboard featuring the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, describing the action as an attack on political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation was made by Adegoke in a statement issued through his media office, where he claimed that the billboard, located at Idi-Ape Junction in Ibadan, was removed without prior notice or legal justification.

According to the ADC governorship candidate, the campaign billboard displayed his image alongside that of Atiku Abubakar before it was allegedly taken down and replaced with another political advertisement. Adegoke argued that the action amounted to an attempt to suppress the visibility of opposition candidates in Oyo State.

He maintained that no democratic government should interfere with the lawful political activities of rival parties, stressing that campaign materials should only be removed where they violate established regulations or safety standards.

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Adegoke said the alleged removal of the billboard would not weaken the party’s resolve or diminish public support for the ADC, insisting that the party’s popularity continued to grow across Oyo State as preparations for the next general election gathered momentum.

The ADC chieftain further urged Governor Makinde to focus on presenting his administration’s achievements and political agenda to voters rather than engaging in actions that could be perceived as restricting the activities of opposition parties.

He argued that healthy political competition should be determined by the electorate at the polls rather than through actions capable of limiting equal campaign opportunities for all contestants.

The controversy comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with major political parties intensifying consultations, grassroots mobilisation and campaign preparations across the country.

The ADC has continued efforts to strengthen its structures nationwide following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. The party has also stepped up mobilisation in several states, including Oyo, where Adegoke is leading its governorship campaign.

Political analysts note that disputes over campaign materials are not uncommon during election cycles and have repeatedly prompted calls for electoral authorities and relevant state agencies to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

They also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of political expression and ensuring that disputes relating to campaign materials are resolved in accordance with the law rather than through unilateral actions.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor Governor Makinde’s media office had issued an official response to the allegation that the billboard was removed on the government’s instruction.

The latest development is expected to add to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties continue to position themselves for what observers believe will be one of Nigeria’s most competitive electoral contests.

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

Presidency, Peter Obi clash over alleged political strategy ahead of 2027

A fresh political row has erupted between the Presidency and Peter Obi after Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala alleged that the former Anambra State governor is using claims about threats to his life as a strategy to mobilise supporters of the Obidient Movement ahead of the 2027 general election.

Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, made the allegation in a post on his verified X account while reacting to remarks made by Obi during a policy roundtable hosted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in Berlin, Germany.

During the event, Obi alleged that there had been an attempt on his life after he planned a humanitarian visit to Benue State. He said the state government advised him against proceeding with the visit and claimed that gunfire erupted around the period of the planned trip, raising concerns about his safety.

Responding to the remarks, Bwala rejected Obi’s account and accused the opposition figure of making what he described as recurring allegations without credible evidence. He argued that the former Labour Party presidential candidate had previously made similar claims, including allegations of intimidation involving airport authorities.

According to Bwala, Obi’s latest comments form part of a broader political strategy designed to energise members of the Obidient Movement, the political support base that emerged during the 2023 presidential election.

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The presidential aide also referenced a recent dispute involving Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where Obi had alleged intimidation by airport officials. However, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo maintained that CCTV footage from the airport showed a vehicle linked to Obi violating airport traffic and parking regulations rather than being subjected to harassment.

Obi’s media team has rejected that explanation, insisting the footage released by the Federal Government did not capture the incident the former governor described publicly. His spokesperson argued that Obi’s concerns about his personal security should not be dismissed and maintained that vehicles associated with him had repeatedly faced unusual treatment at airports.

The latest exchange followed Obi’s participation in discussions on governance, democracy and Nigeria’s future at the ECFR forum in Berlin. During the event, he called for greater accountability, stronger institutions and reforms aimed at improving economic growth and restoring public confidence in government.

Political analysts say the public disagreement reflects the increasingly heated atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections, with leading political figures intensifying public engagements and sharpening their messaging as discussions around possible alliances and opposition realignments continue.

Supporters of both the Presidency and Obi have since taken to social media to defend their respective positions, with the debate generating widespread reactions across political circles.

While Bwala insists Obi’s allegations are politically motivated, Obi has maintained that his security concerns are genuine and deserve serious attention. Neither side has indicated any willingness to soften their positions, suggesting the exchanges could continue as preparations for the next election gather momentum.

The latest development comes amid growing political activity across the country, with parties and influential figures positioning themselves ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential race in 2027.

Presidency, Peter Obi clash over alleged political strategy ahead of 2027