ADC Split As Peter Obi Under Pressure To Run As Atiku’s VP

The newly formed coalition of opposition leaders which adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reportedly split into two major camps; one backing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the other backing former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for the party’s presidential ticket.

According to Daily Sun, there are also smaller camps pushing for former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi, to emerge as the ADC flag bearer in 2027.

Those in Atiku’s camp believe the former Vice President has the financial capacity to win any type of primary election that would be conducted, whether direct or indirect. They also believe resources could be mobilised from across all six geo-political zones effectively.

Atiku’s camp, Daily Sun learnt, had in May offered Obi the vice presidential slot on the coalition ticket. However, at the time this proposal was made, Obi had not provided a definitive response.

A source within the coalition said: “It would be in the interest of the South East if Obi agrees to be Atiku’s VP just like in 2019. If he agrees, Atiku would run for one term and hand over to him. This arrangement would guarantee the South East the presidency after decades of waiting.”

In Peter Obi’s camp, loyalist are pushing for a consensus arrangement that would see the South East region supported to produce a president.

According to Obi’s camp, this arrangement would demonstrate the coalition’s commitment to equity and fairness.

Sources claim that Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, remains optimistic that those involved in the coalition would agree to a consensus where he would emerge as the party’s candidate.

Also, during a recent conversation on X, Obi stated that if the coalition gives him a condition to serve one term, he would accept it and make the most out of it to move the country forward

“Obi has left his options open. No one can say with certainty whether he would accept to be Atiku’s VP or what he would do if he doesn’t emerge as the ADC’s candidate. But one thing is sure, he has positioned himself strategically to respond to whatever direction the coalition takes,” a reliable source close to the former governor said.

However, the Obidient Movement maintains that Obi’s appeal transcends regional and ethnic boundaries, making him the best candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu.