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Coalition: Atiku’s Camp May Dump ADC As Plots To Pick Obi As Party’s Flagbearer Deepen

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The likelihood of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the presidential nomination of the coalition party,African Democratic Party (ADC), appears quite low. This assessment stems from the covert maneuverings among various political figures who are actively working to undermine Atiku’s candidacy, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.

Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned political figure, seems to be playing his final card in his long-held aspiration to become the President of Nigeria—a dream that has eluded him for many years.

His previous bid in 2023, where he faced off against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ended without success. In response to his electoral defeat, Atiku has joined forces with other prominent politicians in a coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in the upcoming re-election battle.

However, within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku has encountered significant opposition. Many party members have distanced themselves from him, leading to a notable exodus of PDP members who have opted to switch their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This shifting political landscape poses a daunting challenge for Atiku as he seeks to regain his footing.

Insider sources reveal that there is considerable frustration within Atiku’s camp regarding his chances of emerging as the ADC’s presidential candidate. Compounding this issue is the apparent preference of several influential politicians—some even from Northern Nigeria—to support a Southern candidate instead. Such dynamics only serve to deepen the challenges Atiku faces.

Additionally, the possibility of Peter Obi—the former Governor of Anambra State—being selected as the ADC’s representative could push Atiku to reconsider his affiliation with the PDP and gravitate toward alternative political options available to him. As the political landscape evolves, Atiku’s ambition for the presidency continues to hang in the balance, influenced by both external and internal factors.

“Atiku may dump ADC if Peter Obi emerges and that’s what some of Atiku’s supporters are waiting for. Atiku is the only politician who can battle Tinubu in 2027. And it will be a great mistake if some politicians who also want power pick Obi ahead Atiku,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a report has claimed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, are yet to formally leave their respective parties because of the unresolved issue of the 2027 presidential ticket within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sources within the party, who spoke to our correspondent , stated that once the ADC finalises its zoning arrangement, those favoured by the outcome, particularly presidential hopefuls, will officially join the coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

A source within the coalition also revealed that the party’s leadership had begun taking action on the matter, adding that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the 2027 election timetable, the ADC would activate its structures to facilitate mass defection and formal membership.

Obi has not formally joined the ADC but has openly declared his commitment to the party.

Although Atiku has not made a formal declaration, many coalition leaders strongly believe the former VP will contest the 2027 presidential election.

Obi, Atiku, and several of their high-profile loyalists remain in the LP and PDP, respectively, and have yet to officially join the ADC.

The source described the situation as disturbing, adding that they needed to join the party formally so that millions of other Nigerians could do the same.

He stated, “We expected them, or at least many of their members, to resign their legacy party memberships and formally join the ADC on or before the Wednesday unveiling of ADC as the coalition platform.

“I understand that they all want to know the direction of the coalition, whether it is going to the South or to the North. But I know that many, if not all of them, will join once the party leadership makes its position on zoning known.”

Another source revealed that the coalition was progressing as planned, noting that the decision on who would get the 2027 presidential ticket would be a significant turning point.

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I’m in talks with NDC, PRP leaders over my political future — Kwankwaso

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Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso has said no final decision has been taken regarding his political future or that of his associates.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain, however, admitted that he is currently consulting with leaders of the National Democratic Congress and the Peoples Redemption Party.

Kwankwaso made this known in a statement shared on his X account on Saturday.

He wrote, “We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to the current challenges facing the party.

“In light of the misleading narratives in the public domain, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates.”

He noted that the recent Supreme Court’s judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee but returned aspects of the matter to the high court, leaving the party in a difficult position.

“The recent Supreme Court judgment, while affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), also remitted the matter back to the High Court. This has left the party in a precarious position,” he said.

According to him, a separate ruling by the Federal High Court had also invalidated the party’s recent convention, while the Attorney General of the Federation had applied for the deregistration of the ADC.

Kwankwaso said the challenges mirrored the legal issues that earlier forced him and his supporters out of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

“In addition, the Federal High Court has recently ruled to delegitimise the party’s recent convention. The Attorney General of the Federation has also strangely applied to a Federal High Court to deregister the ADC.

“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now been also forced into this difficulty,” he added.

He disclosed that consultations had begun with leaders of the National Democratic Congress, Peoples Redemption Party and others to determine the best path forward.

“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations — including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time,” he added.

On the 2027 presidential race, Kwankwaso said he had neither declared interest in contesting nor endorsed any aspirant.

He recalled finishing second in the 2014 APC presidential primary won by Muhammadu Buhari, and later supporting the winner. He also said he contested the 2019 PDP presidential primary before backing Atiku Abubakar.

He said, “On the issue of presidential candidacy, I wish to recall my consistent record as a committed democrat. In the 2014 APC presidential primary, I came second to President Muhammadu Buhari (whom I fully supported to victory), with Atiku Abubakar third, Rochas Okorocha fourth, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah fifth.

“Similarly, in 2019, I contested the PDP presidential ticket and immediately supported the winner, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, serving as the campaign’s coordinator in the North. I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition.”

Kwankwaso added that the ADC had yet to zone its presidential ticket or choose a candidate, making current speculation unfounded.

He also explained that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, which he had communicated to party leaders.

“Furthermore, the ADC is yet to zone its presidential ticket or take any decision on a candidate. I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded.

“My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership.

“We shall continue to engage constructively at all levels. Any definitive position on our political direction will be communicated formally through official channels at the appropriate time,” he said.

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Workers’ Day: ADC criticises rising living costs

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, saying it is placing increasing pressure on workers and affecting real incomes.

In a Workers’ Day statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said many Nigerians are facing economic strain as prices of essential goods and services continue to rise.

“Across Nigeria today, workers are doing more and earning less. Rising costs of food, transport, housing, and energy have reduced the value of workers’ wages,” the statement said.

The party linked the situation to broader economic and security challenges, noting that inflation, limited job opportunities, and disruptions to business activities are contributing to the pressure on households.

According to the ADC, addressing these challenges requires policies that support job creation, improve security, and stabilise prices to protect workers’ purchasing power.

The party emphasised the need for an economic framework that promotes enterprise, encourages productivity, and ensures that workers are adequately rewarded for their labour.

It also called for sustained interventions to ease the burden on citizens, particularly in areas affecting daily living costs.

“The focus should be on building an economy that works for ordinary Nigerians, where productivity translates into improved livelihoods,” the statement added.

The ADC reiterated its position that workers’ welfare should remain a priority, stressing the importance of policies that enhance income stability and economic opportunity.

 

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Buhari’s son gets automatic APC ticket to seek Reps seat

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Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections.

Our correspondent  reports that Yusuf picked the ticket unopposed after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Katsina on Tuesday, April 28, unanimously adopted him as the party’s candidate.

The consensus agreement was announced by the chairman of the Consensus Committee for Daura Zone, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, a former minister of housing and urban development.

Speaking after Yusuf’s adoption, Mannir Musa, APC Chairman, Mai’adua Local Government, urged party members to accept the outcome in good faith.

“I urge all our people to be obedient and accept the consensus reached by the committee and stakeholders in good faith. We should all work together for the unity and progress of the party and our people,” he said.

He also appealed to Katsina governor Dikko Radda to support aspirants who did not get tickets so that they could continue to serve their people.

Musa urged aspirants offered the tickets through consensus to work for their constituents when elected in the secondary election.

He named other automatic candidates to include Nasir Yahaya for the Daura senatorial seat race and Mustapha Musa for the Mai’adua constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly.

Yusuf Buhari, in a remark, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide quality representation if elected. (NAN)

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