Growing calls have emerged for a political alliance between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as Nigeria’s opposition coalesces around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The renewed push follows the party’s national convention held in Abuja on April 14–15, where leaders ratified a new leadership structure and laid the groundwork for upcoming presidential primaries.
Both Atiku and Obi, now aligned with the ADC, have publicly committed to supporting whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate. Party insiders suggest that the selection process may initially lean toward consensus before proceeding to primaries if necessary.
Supporters of the two politicians have been advocating a reunion similar to their previous partnership under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that a joint ticket could strengthen the opposition’s chances against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Proponents cite the strong voter base in the Southeast during the 2019 elections as a potential advantage of such an alliance. However, divisions remain within their respective support bases. Obi’s loyalists have maintained that he is unlikely to accept a vice-presidential role, while lingering tensions from the 2023 election—where opposition votes were split—continue to shape internal dynamics.
As political realignments intensify, analysts say the outcome of ADC’s candidate selection process could play a decisive role in shaping the opposition’s strategy for 2027.
