ADC Spokesperson Raises Doubt Over Atiku–Obi Alliance Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed worry that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi may be unable to agree on a joint presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Arise News’ The Morning Show on Friday, Abdullahi noted that although an Atiku–Obi alliance would be significant, the ADC’s plans are not centered solely on the two prominent opposition figures.

“It is a challenge, a concern to us that Atiku and Obi may not choose to run together,” he said. “But we have maintained that it is not just about Atiku and Peter Obi. Nobody in the ADC is talking about who the presidential candidate will be. We are still establishing our name across the country, but we know it is an issue we still have to deal with.”

Abdullahi explained that the party will aim for a consensus candidate, but if that fails, all aspirants Atiku, Obi, and others will be allowed to contest the ADC’s presidential ticket.

“The most important thing now is to engineer a consensus. If that is not possible, then everyone will be free to run. It’s not just about Atiku and Peter Obi; there are others who have shown interest too,” he added.

Responding to concerns about competition within the opposition space, Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately undermining opposition parties through strategic destabilisation. He claimed recent defections into the APC were driven by fear rather than conviction.

“The ruling party wants to create a mindset of inevitability that no one can win except them,” he said. “These governors joining the APC are not going there out of satisfaction; they are simply acting out of vulnerability. It takes courage to join an opposition party as a sitting governor and that courage is lacking.”

Abdullahi further asserted that the ADC has now surpassed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in opposition relevance, arguing that the APC’s tactics have pushed many disgruntled politicians into the ADC.

“Right now, we have overtaken the PDP,” he said. “The APC’s efforts to destabilise opposition parties have driven more people to join the ADC.”