ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Deal-Making Between Southern Aspirants And Northern Power Brokers

The presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar is reportedly encountering rising internal resistance within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Mark Adebayo, confirmed in an interview with Punch that opposition to Atiku’s candidacy is increasing within the party.

According to sources, several southern presidential aspirants have intensified efforts to block his path to securing the party’s ticket. An ADC insider, who spoke anonymously, also confirmed the development, describing the situation as highly sensitive.

Despite the growing pushback, Adebayo expressed doubt that Atiku could easily be sidelined, insisting that the former Vice President remains a strong contender in the race for the party’s presidential nomination.

The party source alleged that a “political storm” is brewing within the ADC, with southern aspirants reportedly exploring alliances with northern power blocs, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Nasir El-Rufai. The aim, according to the source, is to combine northern delegate influence with southern support to challenge Atiku’s dominance.

The source further claimed that Peter Obi is also working along similar lines, while Rotimi Amaechi is engaging in consultations aimed at securing backing from influential northern figures within the ADC in an attempt to weaken Atiku’s delegate base.

However, Atiku is said to be actively consolidating his position within the party, having established a strong structure that currently works in his favour. The source noted that party leaders may attempt to broker consensus in the coming weeks, though such efforts could prove difficult given the strong ambitions of the key contenders.

As a result, indications suggest the ADC may eventually resort to direct primaries to resolve the contest.

Adebayo also argued that even delegates from the South-East could tilt in Atiku’s favour, adding that Peter Obi may have made a strategic miscalculation by joining the coalition.

He said, “They formed this coalition movement, but Obi is trying to build resistance against Atiku’s influence within the ADC so as to secure northern sympathy at the primaries. However, that alliance may not succeed because Atiku is deeply rooted in the party’s structure. Kwankwaso’s influence, on the other hand, remains largely regional and not strong beyond Kano.”