By Nworisa Michael
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged restraint among political supporters after divisions erupted within the opposition coalition over who should win the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning from Atiku comes amid intensified debate on social media and across party lines, particularly following the defection of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to the ADC last December. Obi’s entry into the coalition was aimed at strengthening opposition efforts to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but it has also sparked sharp exchanges between his backers especially members of the Obidient Movement and supporters aligned with Atiku.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku appealed to both sides to avoid insults and abrasive rhetoric, warning that internal conflict within the opposition only serves the interests of the APC. “Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the Coalition ADC and for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he wrote, adding that infighting benefits those who want to maintain the status quo.
The dispute has largely revolved around calls from Obi’s supporters for Atiku to publicly back Obi’s bid for ADC’s presidential nomination. That pressure has met pushback from members of Atiku’s camp, deepening concerns about unity within the coalition and raising questions about the party’s cohesion ahead of next year’s elections.
Political commentators have also weighed in, with some suggesting that Obi’s only realistic path to clinching the ADC ticket would be if Atiku voluntarily steps aside a scenario that party figures say is unlikely given Atiku’s strong influence within the party structure. Convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Umar Ardo, said the internal dynamics of the ADC currently favour Atiku, and that Obi could only emerge as the flagbearer if Atiku withdraws his interest.
At the same time, some analysts believe the friction reflects deeper structural challenges within the opposition coalition. A recent commentary noted that the ADC hosts multiple high-profile leaders whose competing ambitions could clash once the party formally begins its presidential nomination process, potentially leading to defections or internal tensions if any candidate particularly Atiku secures the ticket.
Despite the rising rhetoric, party officials have tried to steer the conversation away from ticket disputes, emphasising instead the need to focus on building the ADC as a credible alternative to the APC. The ADC’s national leadership has said attention should remain on strengthening internal party structures and expanding its reach nationwide rather than on zoning or succession battles.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers pace, the emerging public disagreements among supporters of major opposition figures mark an early test of unity for the coalition and underscore the complex negotiations that lie ahead in Nigeria’s opposition politics.