Samuel Omang
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed as “entirely baseless” reports suggesting that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar was recently urged by southern political stakeholders to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
On Tuesday, several online platforms circulated claims that leaders from southern Nigeria had engaged Abubakar in a private meeting where they appealed to him to relinquish his presidential ambition in favor of a southern candidate. The former vice president was reportedly said to have declined the appeal, citing his constitutional right to contest and the need for competence over zoning.
“I will not be pressured into abandoning my constitutional right to aspire. Let every qualified member test their popularity through a credible primary. Zoning must not be used to silence competence,” Atiku was quoted in the unverified report.
However, the ADC has firmly debunked the story. Speaking to newsmen Tuesday night, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the party, said no such meeting ever occurred, and there are no discussions within the party aimed at excluding Abubakar or any other aspirant.
“Nobody is having any such conversation,” Abdullahi said. “We are focused on strengthening our party and preparing for the 2027 general elections.”
A source close to Abubakar also dismissed the report, describing it as “fake news” intended to stir division within the emerging opposition coalition. “Who chaired the meeting? Where did it take place? Who were the attendees? This is all propaganda,” the source said, arguing that responding further would “validate nonsense.”
The source alleged that the story was concocted by loyalists of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside some actors in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with the aim of destabilizing the growing alliance between opposition parties under the ADC platform.
Atiku Abubakar has remained a central figure in the ongoing coalition talks involving key political heavyweights, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former military Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai. While the shape of the coalition remains fluid, the group has repeatedly emphasized inclusiveness and open primaries rather than pre-arranged endorsements.
Political watchers say the current realignment efforts within the ADC-led coalition could redefine the 2027 presidential race, particularly as several prominent opposition figures continue to defect from the PDP and APC into the ADC fold.
The ADC leadership, including Interim Chairman Senator David Mark, has also stated publicly that the party has no preferred presidential aspirant, and all contenders would be given a level playing field.
As the coalition builds momentum, party leaders and stakeholders insist that internal democracy, competence, and national unity will guide the eventual emergence of its flag bearer.