Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has dismissed insinuations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may hijack the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja during his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, described Atiku as a “dear elder brother and respected leader”, insisting that there was no cause for apprehension.
The clarification came on the heels of reports suggesting that some of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were defecting to the ADC-led coalition — a development that triggered concerns among Obi’s supporters over a possible takeover of the emerging political alliance.
The anxiety deepened after Atiku, in a recent BBC Hausa interview, declared that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries — a statement that stirred intense debate within the political circle.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, further inflamed the discourse, cautioning that it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku in any party’s primary election.
But Obi brushed aside the concerns, maintaining that the coalition was not about personal ambition but about rescuing Nigeria from the current socio-economic challenges.
“Atiku is my dear elder brother and a respected national leader,” Obi said. “I belong to the Labour Party, and we are part of the coalition forming the ADC for the 2027 elections.
“This is not about competition but cooperation. All well-meaning Nigerians must come together to move this country forward. It is about doing the right thing for our nation, not about who gets what ticket.”
The former Anambra State governor also hinted at his readiness to contest the presidency, whether under the ADC or any other platform, stressing that competence and character should determine Nigeria’s next leader.
“I’m contesting, and I’m confident about it. What Nigerians should be asking is who is competent, who has the capacity, and who can deliver. I believe I am qualified to lead this country.
“In four years, I can turn Nigeria around positively. That is my commitment,” he said.
Obi lamented that the political class had spent too much time on partisan debates rather than addressing the real issues confronting citizens.
“We have talked too much politics in this country. I recently visited some communities in Anambra and saw widespread poverty. Instead of discussing party chairmen and primaries, we should be discussing what will benefit the ordinary people,” he added.
