Supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have fired back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following his declaration that he won’t step aside for any aspirant in his bid for the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
In a statement to The PUNCH, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Obi’s former campaign spokesman, dismissed Atiku’s stance as political “mind games,” asserting that Obi would never partake in the dollar-driven delegate politics that plague Nigeria’s party primaries.
“Peter Obi stands for a different political ideology. He will never buy delegates to win primaries, unlike what we see elsewhere,” Tanko said.
He emphasized that Obi remains committed to changing the political narrative, especially for young Nigerians who don’t have access to state funds to “compete” in monetised primaries.
In a recent BBC Hausa interview, Atiku stated he was ready to contest the ADC primaries and would accept defeat if beaten by a younger aspirant. He clarified that his priority was building the party’s structure.
“If I run and a young man defeats me, I will accept it. Our new party prioritises youth and women,” Atiku said.
He also dismissed speculations that he may abandon ADC later, stating he’s “not known for that” and insisting he is “a man of one Qibla.”
Atiku’s comments stirred reactions, with former Senator Shehu Sani posting on X (formerly Twitter) that unseating Atiku in any primary would be near-impossible.
“It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries.”
Later, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, issued a clarification, stating the former VP never implied he would step down for anyone. He accused some media outlets of twisting the interview.
“Atiku clearly said he would support a young candidate if they emerge through a proper primary. But he never said he would step down.”
The ADC, launched in July as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, is seeking to attract big names like Obi, Atiku, and Nasir El-Rufai. While some politicians have joined, both Obi and El-Rufai remain in their respective parties.
Obi has made it clear he won’t be rushed into leaving the Labour Party, saying any move will be on his terms and timing.
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