The Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Camps Clash as ADC Grapples with Leadership Dispute

The race for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified internal divisions within the party, as supporters of leading aspirants remain sharply divided ahead of its primaries.

The unfolding crisis comes amid unresolved leadership disputes that have left the party without formal recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns about the legitimacy of its internal processes.

INEC’s position follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal in a suit challenging the emergence of key figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, as members of the party’s National Working Committee.

The leadership tussle has splintered the ADC into three factions, each laying claim to the party’s structure. This fragmentation has stalled activities across several state chapters, many of which have been unable to conduct congresses.

Despite the uncertainty, the party proceeded with its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday without INEC monitoring—a move political observers have described as risky and potentially undermining the party’s credibility.

At the centre of the crisis are three prominent political figures—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso—all believed to be eyeing the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

The trio, who recently defected from different political platforms, have become rallying points for competing interests within the ADC.

Tensions escalated further following a proposal from Atiku’s camp advocating a joint ticket with Obi. The suggestion, championed by media personality and politician Dele Momodu, was based on their previous alliance in the 2019 elections.

“I’d pair him with Peter Obi because they worked together in 2019,” Momodu said, arguing that such a combination could broaden the opposition’s electoral appeal.

However, the proposal has been firmly rejected by Obi’s supporters, who insist that the party’s presidential ticket should be zoned to the South.

The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, stressed that zoning remains crucial to the party’s success in 2027. He argued that once the ticket is zoned to the South, Obi should emerge as the candidate, with Kwankwaso as his running mate.

According to Yunusa, Obi enjoys widespread acceptance within the party, warning that failure to respect zoning arrangements could jeopardize the ADC’s chances at the polls.

“It’s a Southern presidency; anything short of that will only lead to defeat,” he said.

Within the party, there is also a growing perception that Atiku, owing to his extensive political experience, could have an advantage in a competitive primary. This has heightened concerns among Obi’s supporters, who believe zoning the ticket would ensure a level playing field.

Meanwhile, Obi has reiterated his opposition to what he described as “transactional” primaries, warning that he would not participate in any process lacking transparency and fairness.

Reacting to the deepening divisions, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, assured party members that all aspirants would be given equal opportunity. He maintained that the party remains committed to conducting a credible and transparent primary process despite its ongoing internal challenges.

As the 2027 general election approaches, the ADC’s ability to resolve its leadership crisis and unify its ranks may prove decisive in determining its viability as a formidable opposition platform.

The Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Camps Clash as ADC Grapples with Leadership Dispute

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

US Lawmaker Accuses Nigerian Security of Complicity in Attacks on Christian Communities

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused elements within Nigeria’s security system of alleged complicity in attacks on Christian communities, raising fresh global concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and chair of the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the allegation in a report released on April 14, 2026, highlighting recent violence in Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Nasarawa State.

The report focused on attacks that reportedly occurred during Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, describing them as part of a sustained pattern targeting religious gatherings and vulnerable communities.

According to Daniels, there is a significant gap between official statements from Nigerian authorities and the lived experiences of affected communities. She noted that while the government often condemns such attacks, many residents continue to face insecurity, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security responses.

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The report included testimonies from survivors and local residents who expressed frustration over recurring violence and what they described as inadequate protection from security agencies. Some of the accounts highlighted continued loss of lives and displacement, despite repeated assurances from government officials.

Daniels also referenced past allegations involving former Zamfara State governor Bello Matawalle, raising concerns about claims of links between political actors and armed groups. While such allegations remain disputed, she warned that unresolved claims could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.

The development adds to growing international concern over Nigeria insecurity, as the country continues to battle a complex mix of banditry, insurgency, and communal violence, particularly in northern regions.

Security analysts have repeatedly pointed to challenges such as limited intelligence coordination, inadequate manpower, and logistical constraints as factors contributing to the persistence of attacks in rural and semi-urban communities.

Daniels called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger accountability mechanisms, and better protection for vulnerable populations.

She warned that failure to address the situation decisively could embolden perpetrators and deepen the humanitarian crisis in affected regions.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Nigerian authorities regarding the allegations. However, government officials have consistently denied claims of complicity in past incidents, maintaining that security agencies remain committed to tackling criminal activities nationwide.

The latest development underscores increasing global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges as political, humanitarian, and governance concerns continue to intersect.

US Lawmaker Accuses Nigerian Security of Complicity in Attacks on Christian Communities