Pressure is increasing on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election as growing support emerges for a joint ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
There are rising calls within the opposition for Atiku to step aside and allow a younger generation of candidates to take the lead. This comes as the Obidient and Kwankwassiyya movements intensify efforts to form an alliance before the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.
Party stakeholders remain divided over the issue. While some believe Atiku still commands a strong political base, especially in the North, others insist Obi remains the most marketable candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Reports indicate that the push for an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is gaining momentum and may have the backing of key political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is said to favour a united opposition front.
The move is widely seen as an attempt to avoid the fragmented opposition that weakened chances in the 2023 election.
Calls for Atiku to withdraw have become louder in recent days. Senator Victor Umeh recently said Atiku should allow younger politicians to take over, noting that the former Vice President has remained a dominant figure in presidential contests for over 20 years.
Media personality Jimi Disu also urged Atiku to step aside, warning that another contest between Atiku and Tinubu may not produce a different result. He said Atiku would be celebrated if he supports a new candidate instead.
Despite the mounting pressure, Atiku has remained confident, insisting his political strength, particularly in the North, remains unmatched within the party. However, he has also shown willingness to support any candidate who emerges through a fair primary process.
Meanwhile, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso are moving quickly to consolidate their alliance under the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement.
A spokesperson for the Kwankwassiyya movement, Habibu Mohammad, confirmed ongoing talks and said Kwankwaso is ready to play any role necessary to help defeat Tinubu in 2027. He added that both camps are committed to ensuring a credible primary process free from monetary influence.
However, tensions are rising among supporters of the different camps, with loyalists of Atiku and backers of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket clashing online.
ADC chieftain Austin Okai has appealed for calm, urging all camps to end verbal attacks and focus on unity ahead of the crucial election.
