Atiku Will Grab ADC Ticket But Lose 2027 Race – PDP Bigwig Explodes

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has predicted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists about the wave of recent defections from the PDP — including Atiku’s — Pearse dismissed any threats to the party’s stability, insisting that the exodus poses no danger to the PDP’s future.

He accused Atiku of sabotaging his own political career, stating:

“Atiku will definitely win the ADC primary and secure the party’s presidential ticket, but he has no chance of winning the national election on that platform.”

Pearse criticized Atiku’s political decisions, describing them as poor and damaging to his reputation.

“His judgment has always been flawed. He is only tarnishing what is left of his political legacy,” he said.

The PDP stalwart expressed confidence that many of those who defected to the ADC would soon return, realizing the move was a miscalculation.

PDP NEC Meeting Showed Party’s Strength

Pearse hailed the just-concluded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja as a turning point, reaffirming the PDP’s strength, internal democracy, and unity.

As a former member of the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Council and convener of the Reset Lagos PDP movement, Pearse said the NEC outcome proves the PDP remains a solid, well-structured political force.

“Nothing is wrong with PDP. We don’t impose leaders — we elect them. Our internal disagreements are like issues in a marriage — they are natural and resolvable. Those leaving are simply confused and will regret it,” he noted.

Zoning 2027 Presidency to the South

Pearse also described the PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South as a “masterstroke,” arguing it is the only strategy capable of unseating incumbent President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NEC meeting also set the party’s next national elective convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Key reforms and strategies for the 2027 elections were discussed during the session, which was attended by top stakeholders.

Pearse’s remarks come as the PDP intensifies efforts to reposition itself as the leading opposition force amid ongoing defections, internal realignments, and the battle for a winning coalition ahead of the next elections.