Fresh controversy has erupted within Nigeria’s opposition politics as the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha of allegedly working as “moles” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, OYC National President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, claimed that both politicians were strategically positioned to frustrate the chances of the opposition, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He alleged that the crisis that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 was being replicated inside the ADC due to what he described as selfish political interests and northern dominance.
According to Igboayaka, Atiku’s refusal to respect Nigeria’s informal power rotation between the North and South played a major role in destabilizing the PDP, especially after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He argued that after Buhari’s tenure, power should naturally shift to the South, and any attempt by another northern candidate to dominate the presidential ticket would only deepen political division.
The group also defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stating that Wike did not intentionally destroy the PDP, but was reacting to what they described as Atiku’s refusal to allow a southern presidential candidate to emerge.
The OYC further raised concerns over the structure of the ADC, noting that both the party’s national chairman, David Mark, and Atiku, who is reportedly interested in the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, are from the North.
According to the group, this arrangement could trigger another internal rebellion and ultimately make President Tinubu’s re-election easier.
The council also accused actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo and Ihedioha of working behind the scenes to weaken the political ambition of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
They alleged that loyalists were being strategically planted within party structures, especially in Imo State, to frustrate Obi’s support base and ensure Atiku emerges as the ADC candidate.
In a dramatic move, the OYC issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Peter Obi, urging him to immediately leave the ADC and seek another political platform to protect his 2027 presidential ambition.
“This is a deliberate political arrangement to aid Bola Tinubu’s re-election,” Igboayaka declared.
The development highlights deepening cracks within Nigeria’s opposition ranks as political realignments intensify and the battle for 2027 begins to take clearer shape.
