ADC: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have stepped up political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential race, reaching out to northern leaders in a move aimed at building support for a possible joint ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress and weakening former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s influence in the party.

The fresh moves, which have gathered pace in recent weeks, are said to be built around a power-sharing understanding that would support a southern presidency for one term, a proposal being used to win backing from influential figures in the North. The arrangement is being presented as part of a wider push to preserve power rotation while also uniting opposition forces ahead of the ADC primaries.

Sources within the party said both camps have been engaging northern political stakeholders, traditional rulers and party figures, especially those dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in an effort to build momentum around the alliance.

The consultations reportedly began even before Kwankwaso formally joined the ADC in March and have continued through political groups formed to advance cooperation between supporters of both men.

The strategy is said to be partly aimed at drawing support away from Atiku, who remains a strong force within the party and is also preparing for the primary. Party insiders say Obi and Kwankwaso believe a joint effort backed by northern support could strengthen their chances in the contest for the party’s ticket.

Part of the appeal being made to northern leaders is built around fairness in the country’s power rotation arrangement, with supporters of the move arguing that the South should complete two terms before power returns north.

There are also reports that Kwankwaso’s camp has been active in convincing northern stakeholders that backing a southern candidate now could improve northern political prospects in the years ahead, particularly beyond 2027.

Even with this movement, Atiku is said to remain deeply rooted in the ADC structure, with loyalists insisting he still enjoys broad northern support and remains difficult to displace in the primary race.

Within the party, consultations are also growing among other aspirants and blocs, with some leaders pushing for consensus while others believe direct primaries may eventually settle the contest if agreements fail.

The internal struggle is unfolding as the ADC also deals with a leadership dispute awaiting court resolution, though political mobilisation among presidential hopefuls has continued despite that uncertainty.

Observers say the latest alliance efforts show how early political calculations have begun ahead of 2027, with regional support, coalition building and delegate numbers already shaping the contest.

While the Obi-Kwankwaso camp appears focused on building a broad coalition, Atiku’s supporters maintain the former vice president remains a major figure in the race and may still hold the upper hand when the party eventually chooses its candidate. For now, consultations continue as all sides work to gain advantage before the ADC primary.