The convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Umar Ardo, has stated that Peter Obi can only become ADC flagbearer if Atiku Abubakar steps down
He hinted that the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is highly likely to secure the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 election unless he chooses to step aside for Obi.
Ardo made the remarks on Tuesday during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, arguing that the current structure of the ADC strongly favors Atiku.
“Well, the ADC, as it is currently constituted, if it goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times. There is absolutely no doubt about that,” Ardo said.
He added that Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, can only become the ADC flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily withdraws from the contest.
“I am not saying that Peter Obi cannot be the candidate of the party; however, he can only be the candidate of the party if Atiku steps down,” he explained.
Ardo emphasized that the reaction of Obi and his supporters to such a scenario would be pivotal in shaping the opposition’s prospects in the 2027 election.
“How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what will determine the election,” he said.
Despite highlighting Atiku’s strong position within the party, Ardo acknowledged Obi’s political influence, describing him as a key asset to the ADC due to his substantial voter base.
“Peter Obi controls more than six million votes. That is why the ADC wants him there—to make the party strong so that the party will win the election,” Ardo noted.
Obi, who ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party, officially joined the ADC several weeks ago after extensive consultations with party leaders.
At the December 31, 2025 event in Enugu marking his defection, Obi described his move as the start of a national mission to rescue the country.
“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” he said.
Obi further criticized those who have exploited Nigeria’s democracy for personal gain, vowing resistance against such actions.
“We have all watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to destroying our democracy, either through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to happen; we will resist it,” he stated.
