Politics

Obi struggles to maintain clout in ADC coalition amid rising influence of Atiku’s loyalists

Published

9 months ago

August 8, 2025

Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Obi struggles to maintain clout in ADC coalition amid rising influence of Atiku’s loyalists

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing a difficult battle to maintain political influence within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition, as loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tighten their grip on the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Multiple sources within the coalition say Atiku’s allies have been quietly consolidating control since the alliance was formed.

These allies reportedly leveraged early entry into the ADC and substantial financial resources to outpace rival factions.

A senior member familiar with the developments said Atiku’s faction has seized control of the coalition.

“Over 70 per cent of the entire structure of the ADC has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp, largely because they joined the party early and have more resources.

“Members of key organs of the party, the NWC, Board of Trustees, state chapters, and others that will play a critical role in determining who becomes the party’s candidate in the next election are largely loyal to Atiku.

“In fact, in some states where the chairmen have refused to cooperate with Atiku’s group, there are ongoing efforts to forcefully implement leadership changes. These moves are aimed at ensuring that party decisions favour Atiku.

“As far as the ADC is concerned, Atiku is in charge, and many of his loyalists have taken over the structure ahead of his declaration or directive, as the case may be. Though Obi is still part of the coalition, he is struggling to catch up with Atiku’s moves.”

Another insider claimed that funding was key to the takeover.

“From day one of the coalition, Atiku’s camp was ahead in the game. In fact, they made a huge amount of dollars available to persuade some ADC members to step aside and make way for the coalition leaders.

“So, it’s not surprising. That was the plan, and that is exactly what’s happening, they’ve taken over the structure. Atiku wouldn’t spend such massive resources and then fold his arms. Beyond the money, many of his loyalists and even strategists have joined the ADC. He’s clearly doing this for himself.

“If Atiku is not contesting — but I believe he will — he will still determine whatever happens within the ADC coalition. So, while Obi, Amaechi, and others are part of the ADC, they appear to be working for Atiku, directly or indirectly.

“Look at the Mark-led NWC, Obi only nominated the National Organising Secretary in the National Working Committee out of over 25 members of the NWC.”

The growing dominance of Atiku’s loyalists has unsettled Obi’s support base, particularly the Obidient Movement, which has accused the ADC leadership of sidelining them from key decision-making.

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In a memo dated July 29, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, the group alleged, “Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels… This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership.”

Speaking on the matter, Yunusa, however, insisted Obi was not being edged out, saying, “Obi is not struggling for relevance… these are works in progress… His Excellency Peter Obi has said that he’s joining the coalition for the 2027 general election. At the moment, he’s made it clear that he’s a member of the Labour Party. So, when that time comes, he will take his decision.”

Commenting on the development, the ADC said Atiku has not taken control of it’s ADC structures.

The ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi assured that all aspirants would be given a level playing field in the buildup to the 2027 election.

He stated, “All stakeholders are carried along in the ADC activities. The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organizing Secretary was nominated by Peter Obi. This is the most powerful party position. So, every stakeholder is carried along.

“So, the structure of ADC, from the NWC to other structures, does not belong to Atiku or anyone. We are working alongside all our stakeholders equally to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.

“The ADC as a coalition platform is beyond 2027. We are united to rescue Nigerians from Tinubu’s APC and bring about good governance. So no division anywhere.

“There’s nothing to manage in their (Atiku, Obi and Amaechi) ambitions. Everybody has the right to express their interest in any of those. But for us, at the level we are, we are not having that conversation at all.

“The only thing we can say is that we are going to provide a level playing field for everybody who has an ambition to pursue.

We don’t have any preferred candidates or aspirants. We are going to ensure that we deliver transparently. So, there’s nothing to manage.

“As long as the system is clear to everyone, we are sure that’s the best possible guarantee that we are able to hold everything together.”

Obi struggles to maintain clout in ADC coalition amid rising influence of Atiku’s loyalists

Related Topics:ADC coalition Atiku Featured Peter Obi

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Politics

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong directive to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mandating them to ensure free, fair, and rancour-free primaries while granting them full autonomy under the Electoral Act.

The directive followed a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where governors met with the President to discuss preparations for the party’s primaries ahead of the general elections.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Bago said the governors visited the President to appreciate his support and received what he described as a “marching order” to successfully conduct the primaries.

According to him, Tinubu empowered the governors to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, provided such decisions align with the law and are accepted by all aspirants.

The meeting, which began around 5 p.m. at the President’s Conference Room, had in attendance key APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, among others.

Discussions focused on conducting transparent APC primaries that would strengthen party unity and position it effectively for upcoming elections.

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Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has clarified that there will be no automatic tickets for the President or first-term governors, opening the contest to all qualified aspirants.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, disclosed that the party has adopted both direct and consensus primary options, with a clear condition that consensus must be agreed upon by all aspirants or it will revert to direct primaries.

He emphasised that APC nomination forms are open to all interested Nigerians, dismissing speculation that the process would favour specific candidates.

The party also released a revised timetable in line with the amended Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sales of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4, 2026. Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, with results to be published on May 11.

Primary elections will hold across categories, culminating in the APC presidential primary on May 23, 2026, following an adjustment from the earlier date of May 15–16.

The party also confirmed that updated membership records have been transmitted to INEC, ensuring compliance with electoral requirements.

Tinubu’s directive is widely seen as a move to promote internal democracy, transparency, and party discipline, while preventing disputes that could weaken the APC ahead of the elections.

Political observers note that opening the race to all aspirants could intensify competition but also enhance credibility if managed effectively.

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

Politics

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 Sharon vehicles and 282 Boxer motorcycles to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District as part of a large-scale empowerment programme aimed at strengthening party structure and grassroots mobilisation.

The distribution exercise, held in Kano State, also covered former party officials in the district. According to organisers, the initiative is designed to improve mobility for party activities, enhance coordination, and support beneficiaries in building sustainable livelihoods.

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 282 Motorcycles

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Senate President, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the programme was targeted at promoting self-reliance and human development among recipients.

He praised Senator Barau for consistent interventions in the senatorial district, saying the empowerment items would help improve living standards and ease transportation challenges faced by party officials.

Abdullahi also urged beneficiaries not to sell the vehicles and motorcycles, but to use them productively to generate income and support their families.

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The media aide to Senator Barau, Shittu Madaki, confirmed the distribution, stating that the items included 47 cars and 282 motorcycles, with additional empowerment packages expected in subsequent phases.

He noted that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen APC structures and deepen grassroots engagement in Kano North.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Takai, said the programme aligns with the grassroots implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the empowerment drive is not an isolated intervention but part of a sustained development effort in the district, with more support programmes expected.

Beneficiaries included APC local government chairmen, secretaries, and former party officials, many of whom expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely support for party operations and grassroots mobilisation.

The programme has also generated public discussion, with supporters praising it as a boost for political organisation and economic empowerment, while critics argue that such initiatives reflect the broader role of political patronage in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Senator Barau Empowers APC Leaders in Kano with 47 Cars, 282 Motorcycles

Politics

Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Murtala Sule Garo

Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum, has commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for appointing Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, describing the move as strategic and capable of reshaping the party’s political fortunes in the state.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a clear understanding of Kano’s complex political dynamics and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance and party cohesion.

The group noted that Kano remains a critical political battleground in Nigeria, making leadership choices within the state highly consequential for both governance and future electoral outcomes.

According to the forum, Garo’s selection underscores a deliberate effort to stabilise the political structure and foster unity among stakeholders amid ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum highlighted Garo’s extensive public service record, pointing to his previous roles in Kano’s political landscape, including his experience in legislative and executive positions, as well as his reputation as a grassroots mobiliser with deep connections across communities.

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It described him as a loyal party stalwart whose contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano have been significant over the years.

“Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a grassroots politician with vast experience and deep connection with the people. His choice will not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater strength and unity in Kano State,” the statement read.

The group further expressed confidence that the Yusuf-Garo partnership would promote inclusiveness, improve coordination within government, and enhance service delivery across the state.

It added that the appointment could help bridge internal divisions within the APC, encouraging reconciliation among party factions and strengthening the party’s structure at both the state and grassroots levels.

Observers say the endorsement reflects broader efforts by political actors within the APC to reposition the party in Kano following recent electoral shifts and internal challenges.

The forum also urged party members and supporters to rally behind the new deputy governor, stressing that unity, discipline, and collective commitment are essential to achieving the party’s long-term objectives.

With political activities gradually building ahead of the next election cycle, the group maintained that strategic alliances such as the Yusuf-Garo pairing could play a decisive role in shaping Kano’s political direction in the coming years.