Obi’s ADC presidential bid is dependent upon Atiku’s withdrawal — Ex-PDP gov aspirant 

The previous governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Adamawa, Umar Ardo, has stated that Peter Obi might battle to safe the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 election if former vp Atiku Abubakar doesn’t step apart.

Talking on Channels Tv’s Dawn Day by day on Tuesday, Ardo stated that Atiku is closely favoured to win the occasion’s nomination.

“Properly, the ADC, as it’s at the moment constituted, if it goes for primaries 100 occasions, Atiku will win 100 occasions. There may be completely little doubt about that. How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what is going to decide the election,” he stated.

Ardo added, “I’m not saying that Peter Obi can’t be the candidate of the occasion; nevertheless, he can solely be the candidate of the occasion if Atiku steps down.”

Regardless of the challenges, Ardo famous Obi’s affect as a political asset, highlighting that the previous Anambra governor “controls greater than six million votes,” making him precious to the ADC’s technique for the 2027 election.

Obi formally joined the ADC in late 2025 after months of discussions with occasion leaders. At a December 31 occasion in Enugu, he described the transfer as a brand new starting in his effort to problem the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and promote inclusive socio-economic improvement.

“At the moment is a vital day; right now is the final day of 2025, so we’re ending this yr with the hope that, in 2026, we are going to start a journey of the rescue of our nation for correct socio-economic improvement that will probably be unifying and inclusive,” Obi stated. He additionally criticized political actors who he stated have undermined democracy, including: “We can’t permit this to occur; we are going to resist it.”

Different key figures within the ADC embrace former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark, all of whom are a part of the opposition coalition utilizing the ADC as their platform for the 2027 elections.