With the 2027 general elections approaching, tensions are boiling within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged moves by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consolidate control of the party’s structures ahead of a possible presidential run, leaving Peter Obi and other aspirants in a political battle for influence, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.
Atiku Accused of Taking Over ADC Structures
Multiple ADC insiders allege that Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, has strategically taken control of most ADC state chapters, zonal organs, and even national leadership positions.
“Over 70 per cent of the entire structure of the ADC has already been taken over by Atiku’s camp, largely because they joined the party early and have more resources,” a party source told our correspondent.
“In states where the chairmen have refused to cooperate, there are ongoing efforts to implement leadership changes to favour Atiku,” the source added.
Another insider alleged that Atiku financed the larger part of the ADC takeover. “From day one of the coalition, Atiku’s camp was ahead in the game. They made a huge amount of dollars available to persuade some ADC members to step aside. Atiku wouldn’t spend such massive resources and then fold his arms,” the source said.
“If Atiku is not contesting — but I believe he will — he will still determine whatever happens within the ADC coalition,” the insider continued. “Look at the Mark-led NWC, Obi only nominated the National Organising Secretary out of over 25 members.”
The rift deepened after a leaked memo from the Obidient Movement to Obi raised concerns over the exclusion of his loyalists from key decision-making processes.
The document, dated July 29, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, read:
“Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels. While we remain committed to building a united front for the task ahead, we must raise issues our members have repeatedly flagged… Several of our representatives are excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made. This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust.”
Speaking to Punch, Yunusa maintained that Obi was not struggling for relevance.
“Obi is not struggling for relevance. Carrying his loyalists along in the ADC is a work in progress. On whether Obi will join ADC or not, he has made it clear that he’s still a member of the Labour Party.”
ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi rejected the takeover allegations, insisting all aspirants would get a level playing field.
“The party is not loyal to anybody and has not been taken over by anyone. The National Organizing Secretary was nominated by Peter Obi, the most powerful party position. Every stakeholder is carried along,” Abdullahi said.
ADC Board of Trustees Chairman Ibrahim Mani also downplayed the reported divisions, stressing that the party was focused on building a strong opposition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the ADC’s ability to unseat the ruling party. APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said:
“The division among them is vindication of what we have been saying — this coalition is a marriage of strange bedfellows. They don’t have unity of purpose. You cannot rely on anger to change the government.”