- Atiku Abubakar said he was willing to step aside if Peter Obi emerged as ADC presidential candidate
- He emphasised commitment to democracy, saying candidates should emerge through consensus or electoral process within the African Democratic Congress
- The statement came amid broader opposition realignments ahead of 2027, with figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi also linked to the race
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is prepared to step aside for Peter Obi if the latter emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday evening, Atiku addressed growing speculation over a potential contest between leading opposition figures within the ADC. Both he and Obi are widely regarded as frontrunners for the party’s presidential ticket.
When asked directly whether he would withdraw from the race if Obi secures the party’s nomination, Atiku responded in the affirmative, emphasising his commitment to democratic principles.
“Yes, I will step aside for any winner,” he said.
Pressed further on whether that position specifically included Obi, Atiku replied: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
The remarks suggest a willingness among key opposition figures to prioritise party unity, amid ongoing discussions about coalition-building ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku, who previously ran for president with Obi as his running mate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissed suggestions that stepping aside for his former ally would be difficult.
“What is difficult there? It is democracy,” he said. “It is either you go through consensus or you go through election. You emerge through consensus or emerge through the electoral process.”
Beyond Atiku and Obi, other prominent politicians believed to be eyeing the ADC ticket include Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, indicating that the party could witness a competitive primary process.
The development comes as opposition parties and political actors explore new alignments and platforms ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC increasingly positioned as a potential coalition vehicle.
Atiku’s statement is likely to fuel further debate on opposition unity, a factor widely seen as crucial if challengers hope to mount a strong contest against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I’m not stepping down,” Atiku fires back at 2027 withdrawal claims
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had dismissed claims that he had withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Atiku said the rumours suggesting he had stepped away from active politics were part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at discrediting him.
He also refuted claims of a national-level meeting with African Democratic Congress stakeholders, claiming that his only recent engagement was with ADC members in Adamawa State.