Intensified Political Moves in the African Democratic Congress
Former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have stepped up their efforts to secure a joint presidential ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Their strategy involves rallying northern leaders under a one-term power rotation deal, aiming to shift support away from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the party’s primaries. This move has sparked significant discussions within the ADC and among political stakeholders.
Multiple sources within the party indicate that Obi and Kwankwaso are pushing a “one-term” agenda to convince key northern stakeholders to back their alliance. The goal is to ensure a southern presidency in 2027, with Obi expected to serve a single term if the arrangement succeeds. This plan comes as the ADC faces internal leadership disputes and awaits a Supreme Court judgment, but presidential aspirants continue their consultations and mobilization efforts.
Northern Leaders’ Reactions
According to insiders, the renewed consultations are part of a broader strategy by Obi and Kwankwaso to consolidate northern backing for a southern presidency. Kwankwaso’s camp has been particularly active in the last two weeks, meeting traditional rulers and other major stakeholders who had previously rejected President Bola Tinubu’s second term. His team has been urging northern stakeholders to support the South in completing its eight years in office, warning that backing Atiku again might not be favorable for the North’s future political prospects.
Kwankwaso and Obi’s joint ticket campaign began even before the former Kano governor officially joined the ADC on March 30, 2026. On April 20, supporters of the former governors inaugurated a group named the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement to drive their ticket ahead of the ADC primaries.
Atiku’s Ambitions
Atiku, who served as Obasanjo’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at the presidency. An insider speaking to Sunday PUNCH revealed that Kwankwaso and Obi have successfully penetrated many ADC and northern leaders, swaying them away from Atiku. Some northern leaders supporting the opposition party have given Kwankwaso their word of support, contrary to their initial plans to back Atiku.
The ADC official explained that the movement is about fairness, ensuring the South can complete its eight years in office. He added that some northern leaders have genuinely thrown their support behind Kwankwaso, and the committee set up by Obi and Kwankwaso is working to formalize Obi’s one-term promise.
Internal Struggles Within the ADC
A former member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State and a supporter of Atiku’s presidential ambition acknowledged the Obi-Kwankwaso move to convince northern leaders to support their plan. He noted that Kwankwaso is the arrowhead of the mobilization against Atiku, with plans to become president by 2031 if Obi fulfills his one-term promise.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Ladipo Johnson, declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the national spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mark Adebayo, confirmed that Atiku is facing mounting internal resistance within the ADC as southern presidential hopefuls intensify their moves to block his path to the party’s 2027 ticket.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, Adebayo doubted Atiku could be outmaneuvered in the race for the presidential ticket. He noted that while there is a growing storm within the ADC, especially among southern aspirants trying to strike deals with northern heavyweights, Atiku remains deeply entrenched in the ADC.
The ADC chieftain emphasized that party leaders will play a decisive role in the coming weeks through meetings, consultations, and efforts to reach a consensus. However, he warned that such a consensus may fail due to the strong personalities involved.
Conclusion
As the political landscape in the ADC continues to evolve, the battle for the 2027 presidential ticket remains intense. With Obi and Kwankwaso pushing for a one-term agreement, and Atiku defending his position, the outcome of the primaries will determine the future direction of the party. The ADC will strive to ensure its candidate emerges through consensus, but the path ahead is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
