Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed concerns over a possible rivalry with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential ticket, stating clearly that he is not afraid of losing out to Atiku in the primaries.

 

Speaking during a recent visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi addressed the growing speculation that Atiku may hijack the ADC’s presidential ticket, following reports of defection by several of his loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ADC-led coalition.

 

“Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader that I have a lot of respect for. I’m not afraid of losing ADC’s presidential ticket to him,” Obi stated, emphasizing unity over rivalry.

Tension had been brewing in political circles after Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, declared that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated in a proper primary election under the ADC platform. The statement was interpreted by some as a direct message to potential challengers like Peter Obi, triggering renewed debate about the former Vice President’s 2027 ambitions.

However, Obi played down any suggestion of internal strife, stressing that the emerging ADC coalition is about rescuing Nigeria, not competing for power among political elites.

 

“I’m a member of the Labour Party and I belong to the coalition forming the ADC for the presidential election in 2027,” Obi explained.

“Other parties and people are going to be part of it. All of us are going to come together as a people. That’s my belief.”

 

He added that only a united front of well-meaning Nigerians could chart a new course for the country.

 

“For us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning people will have to come together to rescue the country,” he concluded.

The ADC has emerged as a potential rallying platform for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with talks reportedly ongoing to form a broad-based coalition that includes the Labour Party, SDP, and other smaller parties. The coalition aims to present a strong alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Political Analysts Weigh In

 

Analysts believe that a unified front involving heavyweights like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar could significantly reshape the 2027 presidential landscape — but only if internal ambitions are effectively managed.

 

Whether both men will face off in ADC primaries or reach a consensus remains to be seen. For now, Peter Obi’s message is clear: the mission to rescue Nigeria is bigger than any individual ambition.