Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has played down speculations over a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, through his media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, described the reports as mere speculation, insisting that they pose no threat to his political ambition or the internal processes of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ibe said the former Vice President remains confident that the ADC will uphold internal democracy and allow its presidential flagbearer to emerge through a transparent, delegate-driven primary election, without imposition or external interference.
The reaction follows reports suggesting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo may be exploring the formation of a broad opposition coalition, with discussions allegedly centred on a joint Obi–Kwankwaso ticket under the ADC platform.
While the reports have sparked debate within political circles, Atiku maintained that political outcomes in a democratic system are not determined by rumours or media conjecture.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Ibe said Atiku does not regard the speculation as a threat, stressing that democracy allows all political actors the freedom to make choices.
“It is not a threat, and it can never be a threat. Every political leader has the right to make decisions and choices, and that is the nature of democracy,” he said.
He explained that Atiku’s interest in contesting the ADC presidential primaries does not prevent other aspirants from seeking the party’s ticket, noting that no individual or group holds exclusive rights to the platform.
“Atiku running does not mean others cannot run. We have not reached that stage yet. The party is currently focused on building the necessary infrastructure that will make it viable enough to challenge the incumbent President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027,” Ibe stated.
According to him, the immediate priority of the ADC is to consolidate its internal structures nationwide rather than dwell on premature ticket permutations.
“The most important thing now is not the ticket but to build the foundation for the party to become a very viable alternative,” he added.
Ibe also described Peter Obi as a committed member of the ADC and warned against drawing conclusions based on unverified political alignments.
“That is where we are now, so let’s not put the cart before the horse. It is too early to start any insinuations,” he said.
On reports of Kwankwaso’s interest in the party, Atiku welcomed the former Kano State Governor, noting that broad-based collaboration is essential for meaningful political change.
“We welcome the former Governor of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ADC. Together, we can make the change Nigerians are yearning for,” Ibe said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Ibe stressed that the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election would emerge strictly through a delegate-based primary, in line with the party’s constitution.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has stated that the party’s presidential candidate would emerge through an agreed democratic process devoid of manipulation or imposition.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC belongs to Nigerians committed to unity and progress, not to any individual.
“Our presidential candidate or any elective position in our party must come out of an agreed democratic process as provided by our rules and guidelines,” he said.
He added that transparency and adherence to democratic principles remain central to the ADC’s vision as it positions itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
