- Umar Ardo had declared that Atiku Abubakar would have emerged victorious in the ADC primaries if he had chosen to contest
- He had explained that consensus candidates would have required prominent figures like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi to step aside
- Ardo had emphasised that Atiku’s support base and organisational strength ensured his dominance in any primary scenario
Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats, on Friday declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would emerge victorious in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election if he decides to contest.
Ardo made the remarks while discussing the possibility of a consensus candidate for the ADC, stating that if the party opted for consensus, prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and others would have to step aside. His comments were made during an appearance on AIT’s Focus Nigeria.
According to Ardo, “If the whole election primaries, whether it’s direct primaries – I don’t see consensus happening though. If there is going to be consensus, it means that the contenders will have to step down; it would mean that Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi, and others would have to step down for somebody. Three or so would have to step down for one, I don’t know if Atiku would step down or Obi. Obi may likely step down but his support base would oppose that. Atiku’s support base would allow him to step down but he is not likely to do so.”
He added, “Peter Obi has the disposition to step down but the Obidient Movement would not allow that to happen and without the Obidients, Obi is nothing. Atiku’s support base may allow him to step down but himself does not have the tendency to step down. If all of them would go to the primaries then Atiku would win, be it by delegates or direct primaries. Atiku will 100 percent win the primaries even if they do it 100 times.”
Ardo’s assessment underscores the influence of party support bases and grassroots movements in determining ADC’s internal elections. While debates continue over potential consensus candidates, his prediction signals confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s enduring appeal and organisational strength within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers note that the primaries could become a critical litmus test for ADC, revealing the dynamics between prominent political figures and their support networks as the party positions itself for the national contest.