Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s faction within the African Democratic Party (ADC) has begun searching for a southern running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.
According to insiders, the group’s first choice is Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate. If Obi declines, attention may shift to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.
A close ally of Atiku, Dele Momodu, said the strongest path to defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is an alliance between Atiku and Obi. He noted that both men had previously contested together on the PDP ticket in 2019 but lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari, and ran separately in 2023 also unsuccessfully.
Now with Atiku in the ADC and Obi still in the LP, Momodu insists the duo must unite.
He argued that resistance to collaboration mainly comes from Obi’s supporters, adding:
“There is no way any Southern candidate can defeat Tinubu.
If Peter Obi fails to take advantage of a ready-made alliance with Atiku, it would be unfortunate. It would amount to helping Tinubu return.”
Momodu warned that hesitation could cost Obi a key political opportunity, noting that Atiku may eventually turn to Amaechi:
“People underrate Amaechi. He mobilised for Buhari more than anyone, even Tinubu. If Obi delays or chooses to run alone, the mantle might fall on Amaechi.”
He added that Tinubu is already consolidating influence among governors and senators, creating an impression of unbeatable popularity.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Obi’s spokesman, reaffirmed that Obi is prepared to run in 2027.
He demanded clarity from Atiku’s camp regarding expectations and added that a joint ticket with Atiku may not be feasible. According to him, a strong southern candidate offers the most realistic chance of defeating Tinubu.
Tanko said “We need a leader who understands the country’s problems and can move across all regions.
The presidency is already in the South, and Obi should complete the South’s four years. This is the continuation needed now.”
He also stated that Obi is committed to serving only one term if elected.
A senior aide to Amaechi confirmed that the former minister is interested in securing the ADC’s presidential ticket but noted that many factors could change before the primaries. Discussion about a vice-presidential slot, he said, was premature.
Another ally acknowledged doubts about Amaechi’s chances of defeating Atiku in the ADC primaries and suggested that negotiating a deal before the primaries, including accepting a VP slot, might be strategically wiser.
He questioned whether Obi would even contest the ADC primary:
“If Obi can’t get the ADC ticket, I don’t see him accepting to be a running mate. That is likely why he is delaying joining the party.
Amaechi may be Atiku’s best option.”
Amaechi’s media aide, David Iyofor, declined to comment. Attempts to reach Amaechi and ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, were unsuccessful.
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