Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s rivals reject his claims of political dominance in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Backers of the Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Friday dismissed Atiku’s assertion that he remains the leading northern vote-getter, describing the claim as outdated and lacking relevance in contemporary Nigerian politics.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, which is advocating a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, argued that Kwankwaso’s support base is rooted in genuine grassroots followership, unlike what it described as Atiku’s “induced” backing.
Spokesman of the movement, Habib Mai-Lemu, said Atiku’s electoral strength cannot be solely attributed to personal popularity, noting that his past performances were largely aided by established political party structures and elite consensus.
“When my principal contested under a relatively unknown party without elite backing, he secured about 1.5 million votes. That shows organic support,” Mai-Lemu said, insisting that only Obi and Kwankwaso currently command independent grassroots loyalty nationwide.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, also weighed in, questioning Atiku’s claims of widespread popularity. Speaking on Channels Television, Amaechi argued that electoral strength goes beyond regional identity.
“If Atiku says his only qualification is that he is from the North, then the North should vote for him and the South shouldn’t,” Amaechi said, adding that leadership requires broader national appeal.
He further challenged the former vice president’s electoral claims, noting that millions of votes cited from previous elections have not translated into equivalent membership strength within the ADC.
Atiku, during a recent interview on Arise Television, had dismissed other northern presidential hopefuls, including Kwankwaso and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, insisting none matched his electoral record in the region. He also claimed Kwankwaso’s influence was largely limited to Kano State and had since weakened.
In what observers interpret as a conciliatory move, Atiku visited Kwankwaso at his Abuja residence shortly after the controversy erupted. Kwankwaso’s media aide confirmed the meeting, stating that both leaders held private discussions.
However, the former vice president’s remarks extended beyond his rivals, drawing criticism for his comments on former President Goodluck Jonathan. Atiku had described Jonathan as a “decent but inexperienced” leader, a statement that sparked backlash from political figures and commentators.
Former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati described the comment as “rude and arrogant,” arguing that Jonathan had already achieved the highest office in the land—something Atiku is still aspiring to.
Similarly, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Germany, Femi Fani-Kayode, condemned Atiku’s remarks as arrogant, defending Jonathan’s legacy and record in office. He also accused Atiku of historical revisionism.
A civic group, the Citizens Alliance for Transparent Leadership, also criticised Atiku, calling his comments “mischievous” and a distortion of facts, while highlighting Jonathan’s progression through key leadership roles before becoming president.
Meanwhile, internal disputes within the ADC deepened as factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, and party chieftain Leke Abejide rejected the legitimacy of a recent national convention led by former Senate President David Mark.
Bala described the convention as a nullity and an affront to existing court rulings, noting the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission as evidence of its lack of legitimacy. He also alleged forgery and ongoing legal violations linked to the exercise.
Abejide echoed similar sentiments, warning that the party risks being unable to field candidates in the 2027 general elections if the crisis persists. He accused some coalition figures of political opportunism and destabilising the party.
With mounting criticisms, internal divisions, and leadership disputes, the ADC coalition appears to be grappling with growing tensions that could shape its prospects ahead of the next general election.
