2027 Battle Lines Drawn! ADC Reacts To Claims Peter Obi Will Defeat Atiku

The Special Adviser on Research, Policy and Strategy to the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chille Igbawua, has dismissed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal’s prediction that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would lose the 2027 presidential election, describing it as a personal opinion without factual or analytical support.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Igbawua said Lawal’s comments were based on personal preference rather than any credible electoral analysis or scientific projection.

According to him, Lawal merely expressed a wish for Atiku’s defeat without presenting evidence to justify such a conclusion.

“If someone simply says, ‘I pray he loses, he will surely lose,’ that is a personal prayer, and everyone has the right to pray. But it is not a scientific projection that can be objectively debated,” he said.

“When there is no factual basis for a prediction, it becomes difficult to engage with it.”

ADC Focused on Winning 2027

Igbawua said the ADC remained focused on strengthening its structures nationwide and implementing policies capable of delivering victory at the 2027 polls.

He maintained that the party currently possesses one of the most comprehensive policy frameworks among Nigeria’s political parties.

“I believe the ADC has clearly defined programmes and one of the most robust manifestos in the country today. Our policy direction is clear, and our objective remains unchanged—to rescue Nigeria from the current drift,” he said.

He added that the party’s confidence was rooted in careful planning, research and political analysis rather than empty rhetoric.

“When we speak about winning elections, we are not speaking emotionally or rhetorically. We are speaking based on the work, planning and analysis we are undertaking.”

Obi Joined Coalition After Platform Was Chosen

Commenting on former Anambra State governor Peter Obi’s departure from the ADC, Igbawua said Obi was not among the politicians who initiated the opposition coalition that eventually adopted the party as its platform.

According to him, Obi only joined the movement after key decisions had already been concluded.

“The coalition project began long before Peter Obi became involved. It is important to understand that he was not part of the original opposition movement that later adopted the ADC,” he said.

“He came in on December 31 after the major consultations had been completed and the platform had already been selected.”

ADC Defends Conduct of Presidential Primary

Responding to allegations that the party’s presidential primary violated internal rules and electoral laws, Igbawua insisted the exercise complied with the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He challenged critics to substantiate their claims with evidence.

“Everything we have done from the beginning has been in full compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution. Anyone making contrary allegations should provide proof,” he stated.

Although he acknowledged that no electoral process is entirely flawless, Igbawua argued that the ADC conducted a more competitive and democratic exercise than many other political parties.

“I am not claiming it was the most perfect primary ever conducted, but I can confidently say that very few parties subjected themselves to the level of internal democratic process that we did. The Labour Party did not, the APC did not, and several others simply handpicked their candidates,” he said.

He maintained that the ADC demonstrated a stronger commitment to internal democracy than its rivals.

Obi-Kwankwaso Vote Calculations Flawed

Igbawua also criticised projections suggesting that a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket would automatically outperform Atiku Abubakar by combining their previous election results.

He argued that electoral success cannot be determined by simply adding together votes secured in past elections.

Referring to Babachir Lawal’s assessment, he said, “He described Peter Obi as a disaster and Kwankwaso as a disaster individually, yet concluded that together they would secure 70 per cent of the votes. I honestly do not understand the arithmetic where two disasters suddenly become a success.”

According to him, some analysts rely too heavily on figures from the 2023 election while ignoring the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics.

Amaechi Strengthens Atiku Ticket

Igbawua further rejected comparisons that measured an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket against Atiku alone, insisting that any assessment should also take into account Atiku’s potential running mate.

He argued that former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi remains a formidable political figure, noting that he finished second during the APC presidential primary before the 2023 election.

“When you compare one ticket made up of two individuals, you must compare it with another complete ticket. Rotimi Amaechi is not a political lightweight. He contested the APC presidential primary and came second, so his political strength must also be considered,” he said.

He suggested that Lawal’s criticism may have been influenced by frustration arising from unmet political expectations.

“If someone leaves a political project after certain expectations are not met, frustration is understandable. That may explain some of the comments made by the former SGF,” he added.

Igbawua maintained that an Atiku-Amaechi ticket would be electorally stronger than an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.

Atiku Has Stronger Electoral Credentials

The ADC official also argued that Atiku possesses a stronger electoral record than both Obi and Kwankwaso, noting that all three politicians had contested against one another previously.

“They have all faced each other before, and Atiku emerged ahead of them. That speaks for itself,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the ADC’s focus extends beyond personalities, insisting that governance should be driven by party ideology and clearly defined policies.

“Our objective is to shift attention from individuals and place it on the political party. That is why we have developed a detailed manifesto and policy framework that every candidate must implement.”

According to him, the party’s programmes are designed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges and deliver measurable improvements in governance.

“Our policy agenda is aimed at fixing what is broken, building what is missing and ensuring that government produces clear and measurable results,” he stated.

ADC Backs Subsidy Removal, Demands Accountability

On the removal of petrol subsidy, Igbawua said the ADC was not opposed to the policy itself but questioned how the Federal Government had managed the revenue generated from it.

He argued that while many Nigerians supported subsidy removal, the government had failed to provide a transparent account of the savings or demonstrate how the funds had been used to reduce citizens’ hardship.

“The issue has never been the removal of fuel subsidy itself. Most Nigerians accepted that it had to go. The concern is how the proceeds have been managed,” he said.

“The government has not adequately explained how much has been generated or how those resources have been utilised for the benefit of Nigerians.”

He clarified that the ADC was not advocating a return to the subsidy regime but rather demanding transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

Party Promises Greater Youth, Women Inclusion

Addressing concerns about Atiku’s appeal among young voters, Igbawua said the former vice president would contest under a party that prioritises youth and women’s participation in governance.

He pointed to the ADC’s leadership structure as evidence of its commitment to inclusion, noting that several young people and women occupy key positions within the party.

“The ADC has one of the strongest policies on youth and women’s inclusion. We have deliberately brought many young people into leadership positions,” he said.

He cited the appointment of a woman in her thirties as Deputy National Secretary, alongside female deputy national chairmen and youth leaders, as examples of the party’s inclusive approach.

Igbawua also noted that Atiku has consistently worked with younger politicians and professionals throughout his political career.

“Atiku has always surrounded himself with young people, and that tradition continues. Combined with the ADC’s clear policy on youth and gender inclusion, Nigerians will see a platform that is committed to giving opportunities to the next generation,” he said.