Peter Obi, Atiku 2027 Presidential Ambitions Tear ADC Apart - ADC Members
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that, with the 2027 general elections drawing closer, a deepening rift has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged manoeuvres by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to seize control of the party’s structures ahead of a possible presidential bid, a move that has left Peter Obi and other aspirants battling for political influence.
OTN News further reports that, multiple sources within the ADC alleged that Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, has successfully entrenched his loyalists across most state chapters, zonal organs, and even the national leadership.
“Over 70 per cent of the entire structure of the ADC has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp, largely because they joined the party early and have more resources,” one insider claimed.
“In states where the chairmen have refused to cooperate, there are ongoing efforts to replace them with people loyal to him.” the party source added.
Another party source alleged that Atiku bankrolled much of the takeover effort. “From day one of the coalition, Atiku’s camp was ahead in the game. They made huge dollar offers to persuade some ADC members to step aside. Atiku wouldn’t spend such massive resources and then fold his arms,” the source said, insisting the former vice president is poised to contest.
OTN News observes that the brewing crisis escalated after a leaked memo from the Obidient Movement, loyal to Obi, accused the coalition of sidelining his allies.
The document, dated July 29, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, decried the “deliberate exclusion” of Obi’s loyalists from key decision-making platforms.
“Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels,” the memo read. “Several of our representatives are left out of crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made. This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust.” the memo added.
Speaking to Punch, Yunusa maintained that Obi’s political stature was intact. “Obi is not struggling for relevance. Carrying his loyalists along in the ADC is a work in progress. On whether Obi will join the ADC or not, he has made it clear he’s still a member of the Labour Party,” he said.
However, ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the allegations, insisting all aspirants enjoy a fair process.
“The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organizing Secretary was nominated by Peter Obi, the most powerful party position. Every stakeholder is carried along,” he stated.
Similarly, ADC Board of Trustees Chairman, Ibrahim Mani, played down the reported divisions, stressing that the party’s priority remains building a formidable opposition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) waved off the ADC’s chances, with its Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, describing the crisis as proof of an unstable coalition.
“The division among them is vindication of what we have been saying this coalition is a marriage of strange bedfellows. They don’t have unity of purpose. You cannot rely on anger to change the government.” he said.
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