The camp of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who vowed not to step aside for any aspirant in his bid to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Supporters of Obi, under the banner of the Obidient Movement, dismissed Atiku’s declaration as “mind games,” insisting their principal would not be drawn into the transactional politics that often define party primaries in Nigeria.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the National Coordinator of the group and Obi’s former campaign spokesman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s political philosophy stands in sharp contrast to the culture of vote-buying and dollarised delegate inducement that has become entrenched in the nation’s political system.
“I’m happy Atiku is saying what he has in mind. It shows there’s something we can hold him accountable for. But Peter Obi is willing to bring new political ideology into the system,” Tanko said.
“I can say it authoritatively that an Obi will never go into a primary election where he has to buy out the delegates. We know that is the norm in other camps.
“It is a fact that in Nigeria of today, delegates in every primary are being purchased. It is even in dollars and not naira. And for those of us who want to give hope to the younger generation, who may not have stolen or receive so much money from governors’ purse, how do you encourage them?”
Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, stated that he was prepared to contest the ADC presidential primaries but would accept defeat if a younger aspirant emerged victorious. He, however, noted that it was too early to determine whether he would eventually appear on the ballot in 2027.
“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said.
“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women.”
Asked if there were concerns he might abandon the ADC, Atiku dismissed such speculation.
“No, I’m not known for that,” he said, stressing he was “a man of one Qibla.”
Following the growing debate, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, issued a statement clarifying his principal’s position. He said a review of the interview transcript showed that Atiku never stated or implied that he intended to step down for anyone.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation,” Ibe stated.
He also criticised what he described as “mischievous interpretations” of the interview, urging the media to avoid stretching reportage beyond the facts.
The ADC was unveiled in July as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
