Atiku’s Rising Influence in ADC Sparks Tension as Obi Battles for Space Ahead of 2027

With the 2027 general elections gradually approaching, internal political maneuvers are reshaping the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as reports suggest that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is consolidating his influence over the party’s structure. Meanwhile, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is said to be facing challenges in asserting his presence within the same coalition.

According to insider accounts, Atiku has allegedly financed strategic moves to position the ADC as his political platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. A senior party source claimed that the majority of the ADC’s state chapters, zonal organs, and even its national leadership now operate in alignment with Atiku’s political camp.

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Official Denials, Growing Speculation

Despite the claims, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC interim National Publicity Secretary, firmly rejected suggestions that Atiku had taken over the coalition. He insisted the party remained united in its mission to dislodge Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.

On the other hand, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the ADC coalition entirely, arguing that it lacked the political strength to challenge the ruling party.

The ADC has, in recent months, attracted high-profile political figures, including Obi and former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi—both of whom have signalled interest in contesting against Tinubu in 2027. Atiku, the PDP flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, has also hinted at another presidential run.

Early Signs of Internal Strain

On July 3, ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu accused the David Mark-led interim leadership of plotting to ensure Atiku’s emergence as the party’s standard bearer in 2027.

Further friction emerged on August 4, when a leaked memo from the Obidient Movement to Peter Obi revealed dissatisfaction over the alleged sidelining of its members from key ADC decision-making processes.

The memo, dated July 29, 2025 and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, accused the coalition of “deliberately excluding” Obi’s supporters from strategic meetings.

“Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels. This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership,” Yunusa wrote.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Yunusa described the situation as “a work in progress” and maintained that Obi was “not struggling for relevance” within the coalition. He stressed that Obi remained a Labour Party member and would decide on joining the ADC when the time was right.

Atiku’s Alleged Takeover Strategy

According to a senior ADC insider, allies of Atiku who joined the coalition early have “seized control” of its political machinery.

“Over 70 per cent of the ADC structure has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp. Members of the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees, and state chapters that will determine the party’s 2027 candidate are largely loyal to him,” the source said.

In states where local leaders resisted, the insider alleged, Atiku’s allies have been pushing for leadership changes to ensure compliance.

Another source revealed that Atiku’s early entry into the coalition was accompanied by significant financial investments.

“From the start, Atiku’s team was ahead. They spent huge sums—reportedly in dollars—to persuade some ADC members to step aside. Many of his loyalists and strategists are now embedded in the party’s structure. Even if he doesn’t contest, he will influence the outcome,” the source said.

The insider also pointed out that Obi’s representation within the ADC’s top leadership is limited, with only one nomination—the National Organising Secretary—out of over 25 NWC positions.

ADC’s Official Position

Responding to inquiries about Atiku’s alleged control, Abdullahi insisted that all aspirants within the coalition would be given equal opportunity.

“The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organising Secretary, one of the most powerful positions in the party, was nominated by Peter Obi. We are working with all stakeholders equally to unseat President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

Abdullahi emphasised that the ADC’s mission extends beyond the next election cycle, framing it as a platform to “rescue Nigerians” from APC rule and bring about “good governance.”

The Road to 2027: A Coalition Under Pressure

Political analysts believe the unfolding power struggle within the ADC could determine whether it becomes a genuine third-force alternative or remains a temporary alliance vulnerable to collapse.

Atiku’s deep political experience, vast network, and financial muscle give him an edge in securing influence over the party’s direction. However, Obi retains a strong grassroots movement through the Obidient base, which could be a decisive factor if harnessed effectively.

The coalition’s balancing act between these two heavyweights—and other aspirants like Amaechi—will shape its unity and credibility in the coming months.

For now, the ADC insists that it remains open, united, and transparent. Yet, the tension between official assurances and insider accounts of Atiku’s dominance signals that the battle for control of the coalition’s political soul is far from over.

If these internal divisions are not managed, the ADC risks alienating key blocs within its fold—particularly the Obidient Movement—while strengthening the APC’s claim that the opposition remains too fragmented to mount a serious challenge in 2027.

In the words of one party insider, “The fight for 2027 has already started inside the ADC. The question is whether it will still be standing as a united front by the time the election season officially begins.”