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Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, is reportedly facing increasing pressure to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition as the Kwankwassiyya movement led by Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Obidient movement aligned with Peter Obi move toward a joint front ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.

ZINGTIE reports that while Atiku’s camp, represented by Dele Momodu, is advocating strongly for an Atiku/Obi ticket, other members within the party are backing a joint Obi-Kwankwaso candidacy for the anticipated election.

Although some stakeholders believe the ADC may struggle to secure victory without Obi as its presidential flagbearer, others argue that Atiku’s experience positions him better to attract votes, particularly from the Northern region.

Reports suggest that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is supporting the push for an Obi/Kwankwaso ticket while also promoting a unified opposition against Bola Tinubu.

Political insiders indicate that the renewed advocacy for an Obi/Kwankwaso alliance is aimed at weakening Atiku’s influence within the opposition and avoiding a repeat of the fragmented 2023 elections.

Call for Atiku to step down

ZINGTIE gathered over the weekend that ADC stakeholders across both Northern and Southern Nigeria are mounting pressure on Atiku to step aside in favour of younger candidates.

While some senior party figures are reportedly engaging him privately, others have openly expressed their positions.

Recently, Anambra Central Senator, Victor Umeh, stated in a television interview that Atiku should allow younger aspirants to take the lead, noting his long-standing presence in presidential contests since 2003.

Similarly, media analyst Jimi Disu argued that President Tinubu could still secure victory if the ADC fields Atiku as its candidate.

According to him, Atiku would earn widespread respect if he decides to step down for a younger contender.

“Atiku would be a hero if he steps aside, it doesn’t have to be him. If it’s Atiku versus Tinubu in 2027, I can already predict the result”, he said.

Atiku’s stand

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has maintained that no other aspirant within the ADC can rival his electoral strength, particularly in the Northern region.

The former Vice President argued that Kwankwaso no longer has full control of Kano State, noting that political influence there is now divided between him and Governor Abba Yusuf.

Atiku, however, reiterated his willingness to support any consensus candidate that emerges through a democratic process, stating: “Yes, I will step aside for any winner”.

When asked if that includes Obi, he replied: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”

Kwankwassiyya and Obidient movements unite against Atiku ahead of primary

Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso, under the banner of the newly formed Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, have aligned efforts to ensure no other aspirant secures the party’s presidential ticket.

The spokesperson of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, Habibu Mohammad, expressed confidence in an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket emerging from the ADC primaries.

He said, “We are working together and talks are ongoing to make sure that we achieve something in common.

“I can confirm to you that the alignment is taking a shift. My principal is actually willing to get involved in anything that can legally take Tinubu out of office. He is open to any role.

“My principal, Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize Obi. He is ready for anything that will help ADC unseat President Tinubu.

“The primary election is not going to be delegates like before and that is why the Kwankwassiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement are aligning. We are forging together to give a good outing against those who want to use dollars.

“Instead of going solo individually, we are now putting forces together. We are not going to give in to any primary that is not credible.

“We are praying and expecting Atiku to play the role of father to us all so that we can continue to give him the respect he deserves”.

Choice of presidential candidate divides Atiku, Obi/Kwankwaso supporters

ZINGTIE reports that the contest for the ADC presidential ticket has created divisions between Atiku’s supporters and those backing the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.

While supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket align on one side, Atiku’s loyalists occupy the other.

One of Atiku’s prominent online supporters, AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, warned in a recent post on X that nationwide protests could occur if Atiku withdraws from the race.

“If Atiku decides to step down for another candidate ahead of 2027, a nationwide protest will inevitably follow.

“Nigerians will not settle for missing another chance to experience good governance and true democracy”, he said.

The statement sparked strong reactions, particularly from Obi-Kwankwaso supporters, who dismissed the view and maintained that ADC’s chances of victory depend on Obi being on the ballot.

Supporting AbdulAziz’s position, Arewa Source stated in a post on X that “Peter Obi supporters are his biggest enemies.

“The North will reject any ticket with Peter Obi on the ballot. Insulting Atiku Abubakar is the same as insulting the whole of Northern Nigeria”.

However, an ADC chieftain, Austin Okai, urged supporters of both camps to cease hostilities.

Okai cautioned that the rising tensions could further polarise the political space ahead of the elections.

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