Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his readiness to step down from the 2027 presidential race if Peter Obi emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku made the remark amid ongoing political realignments and coalition talks ahead of the next general elections, signaling a possible willingness among opposition figures to unite behind a single candidate.
According to the former vice president, his decision would be guided by the outcome of the party’s primary election, emphasizing respect for democratic processes within the ADC. He indicated that if Obi secures the party’s ticket, he would support him rather than pursue his own ambition.
The statement is seen as a significant development in Nigeria’s opposition politics, where discussions around forming a united front against the ruling party have intensified in recent months.
Both Atiku and Obi were key contenders in the 2023 presidential election under different platforms, with Atiku running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obi representing the Labour Party. Since then, there have been growing calls for opposition leaders to work together to improve their chances in future elections.
Political analysts say Atiku’s position could be an attempt to foster unity and avoid fragmentation of votes, which has previously weakened opposition efforts. However, they note that much will depend on how negotiations within the ADC unfold and whether other stakeholders align with such an arrangement.
The ADC has recently undergone internal restructuring and leadership changes as it seeks to position itself as a viable platform for a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
While Obi has not publicly responded to Atiku’s statement at the time of reporting, the development is likely to influence ongoing discussions about alliances, party structures, and candidate selection.
Observers say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether opposition figures can consolidate their efforts or continue to operate along separate political lines as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
