Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly rejected calls to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favor of a Southern candidate, insisting he will not relinquish his constitutional right to contest.
Atiku’s position became clear after a closed-door meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he advocated for open and transparent primaries instead of candidate imposition based on regional sentiment.
“No pressure will make me step down,” Atiku declared.
“I will not be pressured into abandoning my constitutional right to aspire.
“Let every qualified member test their popularity through a credible primary.
“Zoning must not be used to silence competence,” he insisted.
His remarks have triggered a sharp backlash from members of the Obidient Movement, loyal to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The group insists that only Obi should lead the proposed opposition coalition.
“It’s either Obi or we pull out,” one prominent Obidient figure said.
“We didn’t join this coalition to play second fiddle. If Atiku insists on running, we will leave.”
The escalating tensions have placed the ADC-led opposition coalition under serious threat, with insiders warning that the alliance could collapse before it even fully takes off.
A senior ADC official, who pleaded anonymity, said the disagreements have exposed deep cracks in the alliance.
“Both camps are digging in, and no one is willing to compromise. This could derail everything,” the official said.
At the heart of the dispute is the clash between zoning and merit-based candidacy.
While Atiku’s supporters argue for open primaries to ensure the most competent candidate emerges, the Obidient camp insists that power must return to the South, specifically to Obi.
Political observers note that unless both sides find common ground, the much-anticipated coalition may fail to present a united front against incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
As it stands, the fate of the coalition hangs in the balance, with trust eroding and no clear path forward.
Source – BarristerNG
(vitalnewsngr.com)
