2027: Atiku speaks on Obi–Kwankwaso ‘alliance’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed speculation about a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the talks as inconsequential to his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku’s position was conveyed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, who said the former vice president remains confident in the internal democratic processes of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that no individual or group has exclusive claim to the party’s presidential ticket.

The comments come amid growing political speculation that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is exploring the formation of a broad opposition coalition, with reports suggesting discussions around pairing Mr Obi and Mr Kwankwaso on a joint ticket under the ADC platform.

While the reports have generated debate within political circles, Mr Atiku said rumours alone do not determine political outcomes in a democracy.

“It is not a threat, and it can never be a threat,” Mr Ibe said in an interview with Leadership. “Every political leader has the right to make decisions and choices. That is the nature of democracy.”

He explained that Mr Atiku’s interest in contesting the ADC presidential primaries does not preclude other aspirants from seeking the party’s ticket, noting that the party remains open to all qualified members.

“Atiku running does not mean others cannot run. We have not reached that stage yet,” Mr Ibe said. “The party is currently focused on building the necessary structures that will make it viable enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.”

He added that the ADC’s immediate priority should be strengthening its internal structures nationwide rather than engaging in premature debates over ticket arrangements.

“The most important thing now is not the ticket but to build the foundation for the party to become a very viable alternative,” he said.

Mr Ibe also described Mr Obi as a committed member of the ADC and cautioned against drawing conclusions from unverified political alignments, stressing that the party is focused on institution-building rather than speculation.

“It is too early to start any insinuations,” he said.

On reports of Mr Kwankwaso’s interest in the ADC, Mr Atiku, through his media aide, welcomed the former Kano State governor, saying broad-based collaboration remains critical to achieving meaningful political change.

“We welcome the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ADC. Together, we can make the change Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.

Mr Ibe further reiterated that the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election would emerge strictly through a delegate-based primary election, in line with the party’s constitution.

“In the case of the primaries, it is the delegates who will decide who becomes the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, has previously echoed this position, stating that the ADC belongs to no individual and that all candidates must emerge through transparent and democratic processes.

“Our presidential candidate or any elective position in our party must come out of an agreed democratic process devoid of manipulation and imposition,” Mr Abdullahi said