LAGOS — Former Peter Obi has sought to calm speculation about his future within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting he is not afraid of losing the party’s presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who remains his most formidable contender ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi’s comments come amid rising tensions within the opposition coalition platform over zonal balancing, delegate dynamics, and the strategic direction of the party.
Speaking at a political event in Abuja on Friday, Obi described talk of him being edged out of the race as “political noise” and urged supporters not to waiver. “My destiny lies in the will of the Nigerian people, not the whims of party elders,” he said, addressing thousands of supporters gathered for the launch of new opposition initiatives. “I am ready to compete freely within ADC and will continue to engage Nigerians with my message of accountability, restructuring, and good governance.”
Obi’s defiant stance underscores deepening divisions within opposition ranks, particularly after Atiku recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and hinted that he will seek the ADC nomination despite his advanced age. Atiku, 81, remains the most veteran presidential aspirant in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and carries with him a formidable political network. Analysts say his deep-rooted relationships in the North still represent a significant advantage over Obi, whose appeal remains strongest among younger voters, particularly in the South.
The tension within ADC intensified when a political risk consultancy reported friction between Atiku’s and Obi’s camps over primary positioning. Atiku’s allies have suggested that the route to victory is through national appeal and seniority, while Obi’s supporters argue that the party should zone its ticket to the South — a move that would theoretically benefit Obi and counterbalance President Bola Tinubu’s Southern origin.
As a member of the coalition, Obi has not formally resigned from Labour Party but insiders say he will only do so once there is clarity on how nominating processes will play out within ADC. Some aides argue that zoning the presidency southward is essential to galvanise support among south-eastern and south-south voters who lost trust in PDP and APC following the 2023 elections. But ADC leaders have reportedly resisted calls to fix selection quotas by region, a decision that many analysts say could favor Atiku.
Despite his insistence on contesting on equal footing, Obi’s refusal to play by traditional delegate-based politics has raised doubts about his chances. In past primaries, financial inducements, “logistical support,” and regional voting patterns significantly shaped outcomes. By contrast, Obi’s political philosophy rejects such practices, insisting instead on grassroots engagement and ideological competition — an approach that some party insiders fear could cost him crucial delegate votes.
But Obi’s supporters have rallied behind him, with youth-driven movements such as the “Obidient Generation” pledging to mobilize millions of voters if he clinches the nomination. Spokespersons have warned Atiku’s camp against assuming victory, vowing not to support any candidate they see as a rival to Obi’s vision of progressive governance.
Political analysts say that if the ADC ticket is opened to all regions, Atiku would likely have the upper hand due to strong Northern support and his long-term political machinery. However, if zoning rules are applied, Obi’s strength among progressive voters in the South and diaspora communities could tilt the balance in his favor.
Indeed, delegates — the ultimate decision-makers — could decide more than two years of negotiations over the opposition coalition’s future. As Atiku maintains he will support whoever wins the ADC primaries, Obi refuses to accept a subordinate role, saying any solution placing him in a secondary position would betray the core message of his campaign.
