FRESH political tensions emerged yesterday after the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, describing the opposition coalition behind him as weak and driven by personal grievances rather than ideology.
Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who polled 504,117 and 177,120 votes respectively during the ADC presidential primary election.
The primary, however, generated controversy after Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the process, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the election across the states and the Federal Capital Territory. Both men later boycotted the collation and announcement of the results.
Reacting to Atiku’s emergence, the Presidency said the former Vice President posed no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that Nigerians would judge the next election based on performance rather than political alliances.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described Atiku as a familiar figure in Nigeria’s presidential contests, noting that he had pursued the presidency for decades across different political parties.
“Atiku is welcomed. It is a familiar terrain for him. He is a perennial contestant in our presidential race,” Ajayi said.
He argued that the opposition coalition lacked a clear developmental agenda and was mainly made up of aggrieved politicians dissatisfied with the current administration.
According to him, the coalition had already weakened following the exit of key political figures such as Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Ajayi also dismissed comparisons between Atiku and former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that Buhari won in 2015 because the opposition united under one platform, a situation he said no longer exists.
The APC also reacted to the development, insisting that Nigerians would support continuity and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu rather than opposition sentiment.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described Atiku’s emergence as a reflection of inconsistency and political desperation.
He maintained that Nigerians would not support a return of power to the North in 2027, given the existing sentiment around power rotation between the North and South.
Meanwhile, opposition parties criticised Atiku’s renewed presidential ambition, saying it could further deepen tensions surrounding the country’s informal zoning arrangement.
The Social Democratic Party reaffirmed that its presidential ticket remains zoned to the South in line with its internal constitution and commitment to fairness and national balance.
Labour Party spokesman, Ken Asogwa, also faulted Atiku’s ambition, describing it as politically insensitive in view of ongoing concerns over regional power balance.
The LP further questioned the credibility of the ADC following disputes arising from the conduct of its presidential primary.
Responding to the criticisms, Atiku’s camp accused the Presidency of showing signs of nervousness over his emergence as ADC candidate.
Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Nigerians facing hardship, insecurity and unemployment would ultimately decide the outcome of the 2027 election.
He also dismissed claims that the ADC coalition was made up of aggrieved politicians, insisting that the movement was driven by widespread frustration among Nigerians over economic hardship and insecurity.
Shaibu further confirmed that Atiku visited Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence shortly after the primary election as part of reconciliation efforts within the party.
According to him, the meeting was aimed at fostering unity and discussing issues affecting the country, including the economy and insecurity.
He explained that Atiku also used the opportunity to celebrate Amaechi on his birthday while stressing the need for collaboration among party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the visit may be part of broader efforts by Atiku to consolidate support within the ADC as preparations intensify for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential race in 2027.
