Ashimolowo Casts Doubt on Obi’s Northern Support as Opposition Coalition Wobbles - Newstrends
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Ashimolowo Casts Doubt on Obi’s Northern Support as Opposition Coalition Wobbles

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Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

Ashimolowo Casts Doubt on Obi’s Northern Support as Opposition Coalition Wobbles

The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has cast doubt on the electoral prospects of former Anambra State governor and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Nigeria’s northern region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Outside the Box, Ashimolowo argued that Obi’s chances of securing meaningful votes across core northern states are slim, citing unresolved national divisions.

“The chance of Peter Obi getting five per cent in 12 core Northern states will be a miracle because Nigeria has not healed,” he said. “He is a fantastic and gifted man, but he can’t win five per cent in the north.”

Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform, finishing third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite the loss, Obi retained strong backing among youths and urban voters, popularly known as the Obidients, fuelling speculation about another presidential bid in 2027.

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As political alignments intensify, Obi has signalled interest in re-contesting, though his political platform remains uncertain. He is linked to a broader opposition coalition spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar and other leaders seeking to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. However, Obi is yet to formally register with the party, unlike Atiku, raising questions about his route to securing the coalition’s ticket.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, acknowledged internal challenges, particularly the rivalry between Atiku and Obi, but insisted the situation does not threaten democracy.

“Is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes,” Abdullahi said.

He clarified that the ADC is currently prioritising nationwide party building rather than discussing presidential tickets.

“Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidates will be. We have so much work to do — to establish our presence across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” he said.

Abdullahi added that interest in the ADC ticket extends beyond Atiku and Obi, noting that the party may pursue consensus or open primaries when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Obi has previously highlighted unresolved issues within the coalition, including zoning and rotation of major offices, further complicating efforts to present a united opposition front ahead of 2027.

Ashimolowo Casts Doubt on Obi’s Northern Support as Opposition Coalition Wobbles

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Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

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Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi
Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.

The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.

Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Political analysts note that Obi could only emerge as the party’s flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily steps aside, a move his supporters are unlikely to accept. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed has cautioned that the party risks defections and internal weakening if the dispute is not resolved quickly.

Other prominent figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, are also being considered for the presidential ticket, adding to the ADC’s internal complexities. Grassroots members have expressed concern that the factionalism could distract the party from addressing critical national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic recovery.

Observers say the ADC’s handling of this internal struggle will be crucial in determining whether it can present a united front and remain a credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections.

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

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PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

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Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.

PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.

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Prominent party leaders, including Professor Jerry Gana, have publicly welcomed Jonathan’s potential bid, stating that he remains eligible and could strengthen the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts and legal experts have raised questions about constitutional interpretations regarding a former two-term president, though no legal barrier has formally blocked him from contesting.

The PDP’s announcement also follows the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who resigned over internal party differences and is now associated with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC). Meanwhile, speculation continues about other key figures, including Peter Obi, potentially returning to the PDP fold to contest the ticket.

Political commentators suggest the PDP faces the challenge of balancing zoning policies, internal party ambitions, and legal considerations while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

With party consultations and primaries ahead, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate internal politics and legal interpretations to emerge united and competitive in next year’s presidential race in Nigeria.

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

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ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

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African Democratic Congress (ADC)

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.

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Political analysts note that the coalition marks a significant opposition realignment in Nigeria, bringing together figures from different parties, including former Labour Party (LP) and APC members, under a single platform aimed at unseating the ruling party in 2027. The coalition has already attracted prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, positioning the ADC as a credible vehicle for national political influence.

Despite growing momentum, observers caution that internal leadership disputes and competing presidential ambitions within the coalition could pose challenges ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, the alliance signals a concerted effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and present a formidable challenge to APC dominance.

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

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