Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed as inconsequential the growing speculation surrounding a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s position was conveyed by his media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, who said the former Vice President remains unfazed by the rumours and is confident that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will ultimately allow its internal democratic process to run its full course without interference or imposition.
The comments come amid renewed political speculation that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is exploring the possibility of forging a broad opposition alliance, with talks reportedly centred on pairing Obi and Kwankwaso on a joint ticket under the ADC platform.
While the reports have generated intense debate within political circles, Atiku has maintained that speculation alone does not determine political outcomes in a democratic setting.
In recent weeks, the political space has been awash with reports of behind-the-scenes consultations aimed at building a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Proponents of the rumoured alliance argue that such a political arrangement could combine Obi’s perceived influence in the South and North Central with Kwankwaso’s established support base in the North.
However, speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Ibe said Atiku does not view the speculation as a threat to his presidential ambition, stressing that democracy thrives on open competition and the freedom of political actors to make choices.
“It is not a threat, and it can never be a threat. Every political leader has the right to make decisions and choices, and that is the nature of democracy,” Ibe said, speaking on behalf of the former Vice President.
He explained that Atiku’s interest in contesting the ADC presidential primaries does not in any way preclude other aspirants from seeking the party’s ticket.
According to him, no individual or group holds exclusive rights to the platform, and the party remains open to all qualified members who wish to test their popularity through its internal processes.
“Atiku running does not mean others cannot run. We have not reached that stage yet. The party is currently focused on building the necessary infrastructure that will make it viable enough to challenge the incumbent President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027,” he said.
Ibe further noted that Atiku believes the immediate priority of the ADC should be the consolidation of its internal structures across the country rather than premature fixation on ticket permutations and speculative political 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 added.
He also described Peter Obi as a committed member of the ADC. He cautioned against drawing conclusions based on unverified political alignments or media speculation, insisting that the party’s focus remains on institution-building rather than conjecture.
“That is where we are now, so let’s not put the cart before the horse. It is too early to start any insinuations,” Ibe said.
On reports of Kwankwaso’s interest in the party, Atiku, through his media aide, welcomed the former Kano State Governor, noting that broad-based collaboration remains essential to achieving meaningful political change in the country.
“We welcome the former Governor of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ADC. Together, we can make the change Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.
Reaffirming Atiku’s confidence in the party’s internal democratic framework, Ibe stressed that the ADC’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election would emerge strictly through a delegate-driven primary election, in line with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.
“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 commitment to internal democracy has also been echoed by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, who had previously stated that the party’s presidential candidate would emerge through acceptable means as enshrined in its rules and guidelines.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC does not belong to any individual but represents the collective efforts of Nigerians who believe in the unity and progress of the country.
“Our presidential candidate or any elective position in our party must come out of an agreed democratic process that will be devoid of manipulation and imposition,” he said.
He added that adherence to democratic principles remains central to the party’s identity and long-term vision, as it positions itself as a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections.
“The ADC will be a radical departure from old practices and what was obtained in the past. We will be transparent in all our engagements to rebuild public confidence eroded over time by self-serving politicians in the country,” he assured.
Credit: Leadership