2027: ‘Step Aside or Lose Out’ — Pressure Mounts on Atiku as Obi–Kwankwaso Gains Ground

Pressure is mounting on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential race, amid growing support for a joint ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

There are increasing calls from within the party for Atiku to step aside and allow a new generation of candidates to emerge.

This comes as the Obidient and Kwankwassiyya movements intensify efforts to work together before the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.

Within the party, opinions remain divided. Some stakeholders believe Atiku still holds a strong political base, especially in the North. Others insist that Obi remains the most marketable candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

According to sources, political insiders say the push for an Obi–Kwankwaso alliance is gaining traction. It is also believed to have the backing of influential figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is said to favour a united opposition front.

The renewed agitation is largely seen as an attempt to avoid a repeat of the divided opposition that played out during the 2023 election.

Calls for Atiku to step down have become more open in recent days. Some party leaders are reportedly engaging him privately. Others have spoken publicly.

Senator Victor Umeh recently argued that Atiku should allow younger politicians to take the lead. He noted that the former Vice President has remained a major figure in presidential contests for over two decades.

Media personality Jimi Disu also weighed in. He warned that presenting Atiku against Tinubu again may not produce a different outcome. According to him, “Atiku would be a hero if he steps aside, it doesn’t have to be him. If it’s Atiku versus Tinubu in 2027, I can already predict the result”.

Despite the pressure, Atiku has maintained his position. He insists that his political strength, particularly in the North, remains unmatched within the party. He also downplayed Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano, stating that the state’s political structure is now divided.

However, Atiku has left the door open for compromise. He said, “Yes, I will step aside for any winner”. When asked if that includes Obi, he added, “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”

Meanwhile, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso are moving quickly to consolidate their alliance. Under the emerging Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, both camps are working towards a joint ticket ahead of the primaries.

A spokesperson of the Kwankwassiyya movement, Habibu Mohammad, confirmed that discussions are ongoing. He said, “We are working together and talks are ongoing to make sure that we achieve something in common.”

He added that Kwankwaso is open to playing any role that could help defeat Tinubu. “My principal, Kwankwaso, has agreed to deputize Obi. He is ready for anything that will help ADC unseat President Tinubu,” he said.

He also stressed that both movements are determined to ensure a credible primary process. According to him, they are aligning to resist any form of monetary influence in the primaries.

At the same time, tensions are rising among supporters of the different camps. Loyalists of Atiku and those backing the Obi–Kwankwaso ticket have clashed online, reflecting deeper divisions within the party.

One of Atiku’s supporters, AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar, warned that there could be nationwide protests if Atiku steps down. His comments triggered backlash from supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso.

Another platform, Arewa Source, argued that a ticket involving Obi may struggle to gain acceptance in the North.

However, an ADC chieftain, Austin Okai, has called for calm. He urged supporters across all camps to stop the growing verbal attacks. He warned that such exchanges could deepen divisions ahead of a critical election.