Serial presidential aspirant and former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has hinted that he may not contest in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku Abubakar’s political future has been subject of speculation in recent days especially in the face of strong calls by young Nigerians for him to forgo his 2027 presidential ambition in favour of his erstwhile running mate in 2019, Peter Obi.
While these speculations raged, Atiku Abubakar in his bid to douse the tension and growing antagonizing between his supporters and the supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, revealed the only condition that will make him not to seek ADC’s presidential ticket for 2027 general elections.
According to the former vice president, he will not contest in the ADC presidential primary election if the party zones its presidential ticket to the Southern Nigerian. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that if the party does so, he will shove his presidential ambition aside and support whomever emerges the party’s presidential candidate from the South.
While political analysts and Nigerians permutate on the most veritable strategy to defeat president Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose administration has evidently disappointed Nigerians, a combination of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s presidential ticket has been tipped as the most viable and endearing, capable of rendering president Bola Ahmed Tinubu a defeat in his quest for reelection in 2027.
Atiku Abubakar had in 2019, picked Peter Obi as his running mate; a development that is unlikely to be repeated due to Peter Obi’s quest to contest in the 2027 presidential election as he did in 2023 against Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He has also publicly assured his supporters that his name will certainly be on presidential ballot paper in 2027. This implies that Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are unlikely going to work together in 2027.
Addressing the issue of zoning, the interim national chairman of the ADC, senator David Mark explained that the presidential primary election of the party will be open to all aspirants from the six geographical regions of the country. He assured that the exercise will be credible, free and fair as all the contestants will be given level playing ground.
However, Peter Obi’s supporters fear that he may not match Atiku Abubakar in the ADC presidential primary election especially as the exercise is usually monetize; the delegates usually induced financially by the aspirants. Obi’s supporters believe that his frugality and integrity would not allow him indulge in vote buying.
While the public opinion favour Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar as alternative to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are other notable politicians who are also seeking to pick the ADC’s presidential ticket for 2027 election.
Former governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi has also publicly declared his intention to run for post Nigeria’s president in 2027. He like Peter Obi has submitted a one-tenure proposal to the ADC leadership.
Also, former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai though has not publicly declared his intention to seek the post of Nigeria’s president in 2027, it’s speculated that he may be nursing such an ambition or would settle for a vice presidential role should a southern candidate emerge the ADC presidential flag bearer.
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