Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Jonathan are reportedly in a fierce face for ADC and PDP Presidential Tickets.
With over two years to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, opposition politics is heating up, with top contenders already jostling for strategic advantage.
Four political heavyweights: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former President Goodluck Jonathan are emerging as key figures in the battle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tickets.
The contest goes beyond securing a slot to face President Bola Tinubu in 2027; it is also a fight for party dominance, coalition control, and the repositioning of both old rivals and new challengers.
Atiku’s Quiet Influence in ADC
While Atiku has not openly declared his ambition, insiders say his loyalists occupy strategic positions in the ADC’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and state structures a move seen as tilting the ticket in his favour. Political analysts believe these behind-the-scenes manoeuvres point to another presidential bid.
Obi’s Coalition Challenges
Peter Obi joined the ADC coalition after his 2023 Labour Party run, riding on his promise to transform Nigeria within four years. However, a leaked memo from the Obidient Movement in August alleged his supporters were being sidelined from key coalition decisions raising concerns about his influence within the party. Despite his strong online base, Obi’s chances are uncertain in a field where Atiku’s influence looms large.
Amaechi’s Direct Approach
Unlike Atiku, Rotimi Amaechi has openly declared for the ADC ticket. Speaking on Space, the former Rivers governor claimed his deep knowledge of Tinubu’s strengths and weaknesses positions him to defeat the president. Yet, with the ADC split between Atiku and Obi camps, Amaechi’s success may hinge on forging new internal alliances.
PDP’s Strategic Moves: Obi or Jonathan?
In parallel, the PDP is making moves to woo Obi back, with party leaders like Governors Forum chairman Bala Mohammed arguing his return could boost opposition unity. But not everyone agrees—PDP chieftain Umar Sani dismissed Obi’s one-term pledge as “political talk” and suggested the North favours Jonathan, who constitutionally can only serve one more term. Jonathan’s potential return is also backed by figures like former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido, who insists the ex-president has “unfinished business” in Aso Rock.
ADC vs PDP: Opposition Power Struggle
Beneath the presidential ambitions lies a deeper rivalry between the ADC and PDP, both targeting the same opposition voter base. If the PDP secures Obi, the ADC’s coalition could weaken; if ADC fields Atiku or Obi, it could erode PDP’s dominance.
As alliances shift, defections loom, and political deals unfold, the race for the most potent opposition ticket is set to define the 2027 battle against the APC.