Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed he will step aside for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor emerges as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in 2027. The announcement was made during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday evening, where Atiku was directly asked about his position should Obi win the party’s presidential primary. Atiku, who is widely seen as one of the leading contenders for the ADC ticket, emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and party unity. He stated that he would support any candidate who wins the primary through either consensus or electoral process.
Atiku and Peter Obi are currently considered the front-runners in the race for the ADC’s presidential nomination. Both have significant political experience and national recognition, making them strong candidates for the party’s top slot. Obi, who previously ran as the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has maintained a strong presence in Nigerian politics despite not securing victory. Atiku, who served as Vice President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has also been a consistent figure in Nigerian politics for decades.
Other notable figures believed to be in the running for the ADC presidential ticket include Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, and Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State. Their inclusion adds depth to the party’s internal competition, but Atiku’s willingness to step aside for Obi signals a potential shift in party dynamics. When pressed whether his commitment to stepping aside extends specifically to Obi, Atiku replied, “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
He further clarified that stepping aside for Obi would not be difficult, even though Obi served as his vice presidential running mate in the 2023 election. Atiku stressed that democracy requires respect for the will of the party and the people. “What is difficult there? It is democracy. It is either you go through consensus or you go through election. You emerge through consensus or emerge through the electoral process,” he said. This statement reflects a broader message of party cohesion and readiness to embrace leadership transitions based on internal processes.
The ADC, a relatively new political party in Nigeria, is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With high-profile figures like Atiku and Obi vying for its presidential ticket, the party is gaining national attention. Their public expressions of mutual respect and willingness to abide by party rules may help solidify the ADC’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political landscape, the ADC’s internal dynamics will be closely watched. Atiku’s openness to stepping aside for Obi could set a precedent for unity and democratic conduct within the party, potentially influencing how other political aspirants approach leadership contests in the future.
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