Peter Obi has dismissed fears that Atiku Abubakar could hijack the ADC presidential ticket, describing him as a respected leader and stressing that their coalition aims to rescue Nigeria, not compete for power.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed reports suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi described Atiku as a “dear elder brother and respected leader,” insisting he had no fear of the former vice president’s political moves.
Speculation of Atiku’s interest in the ADC ticket followed reports of mass defections by his loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ADC coalition.
The anxiety deepened after Atiku told BBC Hausa that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the primaries, a remark that fueled concerns among Obi’s supporters.
Reacting, Obi said the coalition was “about national rescue, not rivalry,” adding, “All of us are going to come together as a people. That’s my belief.”
The former Anambra governor affirmed his readiness to contest in 2027, saying, “I have the capacity to do the job… in four years, I can change the trajectory of Nigeria.”
Obi also urged Nigerians to focus on leadership that delivers real impact, not partisan politics, emphasizing the need to “talk about what will benefit the people.”