The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may be positioning former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its potential presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, according to party chieftain and former presidential aspirant, Dumebi Kachikwu.
Speaking at a strategic meeting of opposition stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, Kachikwu revealed that the ADC, under the leadership of its new National Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani Mark, is actively engaging in high-level discussions aimed at building a formidable coalition — with Atiku’s name already generating serious interest.
“There are consultations ongoing across party lines, and yes, Atiku Abubakar’s name has come up repeatedly,” Kachikwu said. “The ADC under Senator Mark is not just talking unity — it is building the structure for it. And we are not ruling anyone out, including Atiku.”
A Strategic Realignment for 2027
Kachikwu emphasized that the party is not acting alone but is part of a broader realignment of opposition forces seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He described the move as part of a “national rescue agenda” driven by shared concerns about governance, economic instability, and democratic erosion.
“We’ve seen what one-party dominance has done. It’s time to reset the system, and that requires credible leadership with proven experience,” he said.
Atiku, who ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and 2023, has not formally declared his intention to contest again but remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian opposition politics.
ADC Leadership Silent on Details
While Senator Mark has yet to publicly confirm any alliance plans with Atiku, insiders within the ADC say the party is aggressively courting seasoned political heavyweights and disillusioned PDP members as part of its 2027 strategy.
“We are building a broad-based coalition that transcends old loyalties. What matters now is who can win and who can govern,” said a senior ADC official who asked not to be named.
APC Reacts Cautiously
In a brief reaction, an APC spokesperson dismissed the talks as “early noise,” insisting that the ruling party remains confident in its performance and the continued leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“Nigerians are seeing results. When the time comes, they will not gamble with untested alliances and recycled ambitions,” the spokesperson said.
As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift in anticipation of the next electoral cycle, analysts say a united opposition front — especially one involving a figure as prominent as Atiku — could pose a serious challenge to the APC’s grip on power.
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