As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to tilt toward the 2027 general election, conversations about alliances, sacrifices, and strategy are becoming louder by the day.
One topic drawing intense attention is whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would consider stepping aside to support Peter Obi in a united opposition push.
That idea, however, has now been firmly shut down by one of Atiku’s closest allies.
Momodu Dismisses Any Idea of Atiku Stepping Down
Veteran journalist, former presidential aspirant, and Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, has ruled out any chance of Atiku withdrawing from the 2027 presidential race in favour of Peter Obi.
Speaking on Thursday, Momodu made it clear that Atiku remains fully committed to contesting and sees no justification for bowing out.
According to him, calls for Atiku to step aside are not rooted in logic or fairness but driven by prejudice and selective judgment.
Atiku’s Move to ADC Signals Serious Intent
Atiku, who flew the Peoples Democratic Party’s flag during the 2023 presidential election, formally resigned from the PDP and joined the African Democratic Congress in November 2025.
That decision was widely interpreted as a calculated move to secure a new political base and position himself for another presidential run.
For many observers, the switch confirmed that Atiku is not easing into retirement politics but actively preparing for another high-stakes contest.
Peter Obi’s Defection Adds New Dynamics
Momentum shifted further last week when Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, also defected to the ADC.
Obi had finished third in the last election, polling over six million votes behind Atiku and eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu.
His move has been seen as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at presenting a stronger, more unified challenge to Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
APC Figures Mock, Obi’s Supporters Push Back
Not long after Obi’s defection, figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, mocked the move.
Some suggested Obi might eventually settle for a vice-presidential role under Atiku.
That suggestion was swiftly rejected by prominent Obi loyalists.
Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu both warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accepted a deputy position on a ticket led by Atiku.
Rumours of a One-Term Deal Resurface — and Collapse
Speculation had recently gained traction that Atiku might step aside based on an alleged agreement in which Obi would serve a single four-year term before handing over power to Atiku in 2031.
The rumour quickly spread across political circles and social media.
Momodu, however, dismissed the claim outright, insisting that Atiku has no reason to abandon his ambition or negotiate himself out of the race.
Momodu Questions the Age Argument
During an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online in Abuja, Momodu revealed that many people had approached him, urging him to convince Atiku to withdraw. Their main argument, he said, was age.
He pushed back strongly, noting that no one had raised concerns about Atiku’s health or suggested he was less fit than President Tinubu.
In his words, it made no sense that Tinubu could be encouraged to contest while Atiku was expected to step aside based on what he described as “unsubstantiated malice and prejudice.”
A Strong Defence of Atiku’s Record
Momodu also criticised narratives portraying Atiku as unfit or undeserving of another shot at the presidency.
He questioned who gets to decide “the best” or “the worst” among political contenders.
Highlighting Atiku’s background, he pointed to his education, business success, philanthropic work, and long-standing role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
While admitting that Atiku is not without flaws, Momodu argued that the former vice president stands out for not living off state resources since leaving office in 2007.
To him, asking such an experienced figure to sacrifice his ambition based on raw emotions and identity politics would be a grave mistake.
Shehu Sani Offers a Word of Caution
Adding another layer to the conversation, former senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani weighed in with a subtle warning.
Writing on his verified X account, he reminded Nigerians that politicians’ public declarations are rarely final.
According to him, today’s firm refusal can quickly turn into tomorrow’s compromise, often justified with the familiar phrase, “in the national interest.”
Quiet Talks Continue Behind Closed Doors
Despite the public denials and sharp rhetoric, there are strong indications that Atiku and Obi are engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions.
Both men reportedly share a common goal: removing President Tinubu and ending the APC’s grip on power.
After the 2023 election, the duo is believed to have held consultations with opposition leaders, elder statesmen, and civil society figures on the need for a broad coalition to avoid another divided opposition.
ADC Emerges as a Coalition Platform
Their eventual defections to the ADC are widely viewed as the clearest sign yet that those coalition talks are bearing fruit.
The party is now being positioned as a possible vehicle for a mega opposition alliance ahead of 2027.
Insiders say discussions have touched on power rotation, zoning concerns, and the idea of a unity government that could appeal across regions and political blocs.
A Crowded Field and Unanswered Questions
For now, the biggest unresolved issue remains who will clinch the ADC’s presidential ticket.
Atiku and Obi both command strong followings and believe they have legitimate claims to lead the opposition charge.
Adding to the mix, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi is also said to be positioning himself for the ticket.
With multiple heavyweight contenders eyeing a single slot, the party’s primary is shaping up to be fiercely contested.
What’s Next?
As political negotiations intensify and ambitions collide, the coming months will be crucial.
Whether unity triumphs over rivalry or internal competition fractures the opposition again could determine how formidable the challenge to the APC will be in 2027.
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