Tensions are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported plans to run for president in 2027 on the party’s platform.
Tensions are rising within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported plans to run for president in 2027 on the party’s platform. Sources told BusinessDay that party stalwarts like Nasir El-Rufai oppose Atiku’s ambition, fearing it undermines the coalition’s southern presidency agreement.
El-Rufai, a key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 victory, insists the presidency must remain in the South until 2031. “He has continued to maintain that position and will only back a southern candidate in 2027,” a party source said.
Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi are among the southern aspirants. Obi’s ally, Ahmed Datti, recently moved to rebuild ties with the Labour Party. Katch Ononuju said, “It is now getting clearer that Atiku Abubakar’s inordinate ambitions will make it impossible for the emergence of a southern candidate.”
Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh affirmed the party’s openness to Obi but stressed, “It is not going to be an automatic ticket for Peter Obi.”