ADC: Obi, Kwankwaso rally Northern Leaders against Atiku ahead of Primaries

Former Governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have intensified efforts to secure a joint presidential ticket from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party, mobilising northern leaders around a proposed one-term power rotation deal ahead of the 2027 elections.

The push, which gathered pace in recent weeks, is aimed at weakening the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party, according to multiple insiders familiar with the ongoing consultations.

Sources within the ADC said Mr Obi and Mr Kwankwaso are promoting a one-term presidency for the South to persuade northern stakeholders to shift allegiance.

“What we’re canvassing is fairness; the South should be allowed to complete its eight years… that is why we are pushing for Obi, who has promised a one term,” a party insider said.

The strategy, according to sources, is designed to consolidate northern backing for a southern presidency, with Mr Kwankwaso expected to position himself for a potential 2031 run if the arrangement succeeds.

Northern consultations

Findings indicate that Mr Kwankwaso’s camp has stepped up engagements with traditional rulers and key northern stakeholders, particularly those dissatisfied with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Insiders said the campaign message emphasises political balance and long-term regional interests, warning that another northern candidacy in 2027 could disrupt zoning expectations.

Supporters of both politicians had earlier launched the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement on 20 April 2026 to drive the proposed alliance ahead of ADC primaries.

Atiku camp pushes back

Reacting to the development, a supporter of Mr Atiku acknowledged the mobilisation efforts but described them as routine political manoeuvring.

“We know their every move… it is a normal political gimmick. But there will be a convergence soon,” the source said.

The ally added that Mr Atiku remains a dominant political force in the North, with established structures within the ADC likely to favour his candidacy.

Internal party tensions

Party insiders and opposition figures, including Coalition of United Political Parties spokesperson Mark Adebayo, confirmed growing resistance against Mr Atiku within sections of the ADC, particularly among southern aspirants.

However, Mr Adebayo expressed doubts about the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso strategy.

“That alliance is still going to fail… Atiku is deeply entrenched in the ADC,” he said.

Party leadership position

Responding to the developments, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said ongoing consultations are part of normal democratic processes within political parties.

“We will continue to preach unity… and ensure our candidate emerges through consensus,” Mr Abdullahi stated.

The unfolding political manoeuvres come as the ADC grapples with internal disputes and awaits a Supreme Court judgment on its leadership crisis.

Despite this, aspirants across factions have continued consultations, with figures such as Rotimi Amaechi and other political heavyweights reportedly engaging northern leaders to build support blocs.

Mr Atiku, who has declared the 2027 race as his final presidential attempt, is also said to be intensifying efforts to consolidate his base within the party.

The emerging contest reflects a broader struggle for control of the ADC ahead of 2027, with regional alliances, zoning arguments, and delegate arithmetic shaping the early battle lines.

Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a consensus candidate can emerge or if the party will head into a potentially divisive primary contest.