Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reacted to growing concerns that ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar may take control of 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 in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi dismissed the rising tension, saying he has no fear of Atiku’s political moves or influence.
“Atiku is a very dear elder brother and a respected leader. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for the 2027 presidential election. Other parties and individuals will join. It’s about coming together to rescue Nigeria, not competing against one another,” he said.
Speculation of a possible takeover intensified after reports surfaced that some of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had defected to the ADC coalition — a move that unsettled Obi’s supporters.
The anxiety deepened when Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, declared that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries. His statement fueled concerns of a looming internal battle for control.
Adding to the tension, former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, commented on X that “it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.”
Obi, however, insisted the coalition is focused on national recovery, not political rivalry, emphasizing that competence and credibility should determine who leads the country next.
“I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. People should judge based on capacity and sincerity. I believe I’m qualified and capable. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better,” he said confidently.
He further urged Nigerians to focus less on political scheming and more on issues affecting ordinary citizens.
“We’ve talked too much politics in this country. I’ve been to villages in Anambra and seen the level of poverty. Instead of discussing primaries and power blocs, we should be talking about solutions that benefit the people. That’s the new Nigeria I want to see,” Obi added.
Both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, one of the most competitive contests in Nigeria’s recent political history.