Atiku Signals Willingness to Step Down for Obi in ADC Coalition Talks

Atiku Signals Willingness to Step Down for Obi in ADC Coalition Talks

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his willingness to step aside for Peter Obi if the latter emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what signals a growing push for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Atiku said his decision would be guided by democratic principles or consensus among stakeholders, stressing that personal ambition should not override national interest.

“I will step aside for any winner,” he said, noting that “politics is either you go through democracy or consensus.”

The former presidential candidate emphasized that the process that produces a flag bearer—whether through primaries or consensus—must be credible and widely accepted. According to him, such an approach is critical to building a formidable opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Atiku also reaffirmed that 2027 will be his final presidential bid, putting to rest speculations about his long-term political ambitions. Addressing concerns over his age, he argued that Nigeria’s problems are rooted in leadership failures rather than generational issues, insisting he possesses the experience and vision needed to govern effectively.

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His comments came shortly after Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the ADC, endorsed the idea of a joint Atiku-Obi ticket as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu highlighted the duo’s previous working relationship during the 2019 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Obi served as Atiku’s running mate.

According to him, Obi’s strong grassroots appeal and third-place finish in the 2023 election make him a valuable political asset capable of consolidating voter support.

The ADC coalition talks have continued to gain momentum, with several opposition figures reportedly exploring the party as a platform for a united front. Analysts believe Atiku’s openness to stepping aside could reduce internal friction and pave the way for a more cohesive strategy.

However, key issues such as zoning, power-sharing arrangements, and party structure remain unresolved, and are expected to shape the final configuration of any alliance ahead of the polls.

As political alignments intensify, the evolving relationship between Atiku and Obi could prove decisive in determining the strength and direction of Nigeria’s opposition in 2027.

Atiku Signals Willingness to Step Down for Obi in ADC Coalition Talks