The struggle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket is tearing supporters of major aspirants apart ahead of the primary.
This is notwithstanding the multiple leadership challenges facing the opposition party. At the moment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not recognise any of the three camps laying claim to the party’s leadership.
This followed a Court of Appeal order in a suit challenging the recognition of David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others as officials of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Many state chapters remain polarised and unable to hold congresses. Yet, the party on Tuesday held its convention in Abuja without INEC monitoring, a move widely considered risky. Our correspondent understands that there is a widening gulf among the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, all believed to be eyeing the ticket.
The trio are defectors from other parties who have converged on the ADC amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. While Atiku left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last year to become the ADC arrowhead, Obi also quit the Labour Party (LP), on whose platform he contested the 2023 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and ex-Defence Minister, left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ADC last month. Atiku’s ally, Dele Momodu, said the former vice president’s camp favours an Atiku/Obi ticket.
However, Obi’s camp rejected the proposal, insisting that the ticket should be zoned to the South. Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, argued that pairing Obi with Atiku would give the ADC a significant electoral advantage, citing their previous collaboration in 2019.
The duo, however, lost the election to the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on television on Tuesday night, Momodu said: “I’d pair him (Atiku) with Peter Obi because they worked together in 2019. So, they already share a similar temperament.
“Peter Obi came third in the last election. You don’t have to work too hard to maintain and attract the same group of people who love him.” He maintained that the proposed Atiku/Obi alliance, if consummated, would strengthen the opposition’s chances of capturing federal power, especially amid ongoing political realignments. But the Coordinator of the Obedient Movement – Obi’s caucus within the ADC – Tanko Yunusa, insisted that zoning the ticket to the South remains the only acceptable option.
He added that once zoned to the South, Obi should emerge as the sole beneficiary and be paired with Kwankwaso. Yunusa, who also spoke on television, said Obi enjoys broad acceptability within the ADC.
According to him, the reception accorded Obi and Kwankwaso by delegates at Tuesday’s national convention reflected the preference of party members. He warned that the ADC risks losing the election if its candidate does not emerge from the South. Yunusa described the former Anambra State governor as the best choice for the ticket, citing what he called his integrity and lack of political baggage.
He said: “You’ve never seen him (Obi) owning a debt. Neither have you seen him segregating. In all of that, he still mingles with his colleagues to fight for the soul of the country.” He added that Obi has recognised the need to build alliances with the North, noting his increasing engagement with northern leaders across religious lines.
Yunusa said: “When he came to my state in Kano, you could see the synergy between him and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The reception was overwhelming; we barely managed the mammoth crowd. “It was shouts of Obi/Kwankwaso! Obi/Kwankwaso! The signage and the chorus showed a major shift from what it was in 2023 and 2026 towards 2027. I was elated.” He dismissed the suggestion of an Atiku/Obi ticket as unworkable. Yunusa said: “It’s a Southern presidency. To make it easier for the party to win, zone it to the South and give the candidacy to the region, and you are assured of victory.
“Anything short of that will only lead to defeat. Nigerians should conduct independent assessments. “The level of enthusiasm and support shown for Peter Obi and Kwankwaso indicates that the people have spoken. “If those two are paired – Peter Obi as presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as running mate – the election would effectively be decided early. “The momentum has grown, especially among young Nigerians seeking credible leadership and good governance.”
There is also a widespread belief that Atiku, 79, may have an edge over Obi in a competitive primary, given his long-standing experience in party contests dating back to 1991/1992. This perception has fuelled calls by Obi’s supporters for the ticket to be zoned to the South, effectively limiting Atiku’s chances of contesting.
However, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, has repeatedly assured that the party will provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
Last week, Obi reiterated that the process for selecting the party’s candidate must not be “transactional.”
He said in an interview: “In the PDP, I left for the LP because people were not playing by the rules.
“The presidential primary was transactional. I cannot be part of transactional primaries. I cannot pay people to serve them.
“I may not have spent a long time in politics, but even if I had to repeat the process 20 times, I would take the same decision – to leave. I cannot advocate change while participating in a flawed process.
“I am now in the ADC with some of the same people I left in the PDP and other parties.
“But if the same process is compromised again, I will speak out. “I have never been involved in any form of election rigging – at the primary level, during the election, or afterwards.”
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Tragedy: Former deputy governor loses two children in accident
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Baba Tela, has lost two of his children, Mustapha and Ummi, in a fatal road accident. Our correspondent in Bauchi reported that the siblings reportedly died on Saturday after the vehicle conveying them was involved in a crash with a long vehicle (Trailer) on the Bauchi–Azare highway while they were returning to Bauchi from Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.They were said to have died on the spot of the accident due to the severity of the impact. Their bodies were later taken to a hospital in Bauchi, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.Reacting to the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described it as heartbreaking, and extended his condolences to Tela and his family. Mohammed, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar […]
World Cup: Morocco defeats co-host Canada 3-0 to secure a spot in quarter-finals
The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Saturday defeated Canada 3-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup’s quarterfinals. The loss ends a historic run for World Cup co-host Canada, which won its first-ever knockout round with a 1-0 victory over South Africa to reach Saturday’s match. Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute of the game, giving the fans relief after a very confusing first half that left Moroccans almost depressed.Ounahi also scored a second goal for Morocco in the 82nd minute. Soufiane Rahimi ended the game with a third match in the added time. Exhaustion, as well as pressure from the Canadian team, which had been aggressively attempting to create shocks but not convert its chances.The Moroccan team, however, stood strong and balanced despite the showering of yellow cards by the British match official and […]
Court remands Sowore in Kuje Prison, dismisses recusal request
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday remanded the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of an application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier court order revoking his bail. The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, also dismissed an application by Sowore seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.In a brief ruling, Justice Umar directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of a motion for stay of execution filed by his new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application. trending_flat News & Politics Court remands Sowore in Kuje Prison, dismisses recusal request Arthur Iyamore June 22, 2026 trending_flat News Bandit Leader Claims Responsibility for Attacks, Expresses Interest […]
Heavy military casualties in Niger Republic as attacks claim 265 security personnel
No fewer than 265 members of Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (FDS), including senior officers, have reportedly been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across different parts of the country between June 17 and June 19. Our correspondent in Niger Republic reported that according to security sources, one of the deadliest incidents occurred in Inates, where 101 soldiers were reported killed during an attack attributed to fighters of the Islamic State in the Sahel. The Zagazola Makama quoted sources as saying that 52 of the victims had been buried in the Tillabéri Region, while 49 other soldiers who were initially declared missing had subsequently been presumed dead. They added that 20 soldiers were reportedly taken captive during the attack. The security sources further disclosed that the attacks formed part of a broader wave of violence that targeted several military […]
Dangote meets Aiyedatiwa, plans biggest free trade zone in Ondo
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. He described the development as a power-driven investment hub designed to attract manufacturers and reduce infrastructure constraints for investors.Dangote stated this on Monday during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at his office in Akure, the state capital. According to him, the renewed investment framework covers power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.He said the proposed Olokola project would go beyond a conventional free trade zone, explaining that it would be fully equipped with power, water and logistics infrastructure to enable investors to operate without delays associated with basic utilities.“We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will […]
Lagos Deputy Commissioner of Police is dead
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Police Command, DCP Khan Salihu is dead. The command’s spokesperson, SP Ambimbola Adebisi disclosed this in a statement.According to the statement, the DCP passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. Ambimbola described the deceased as a “highly dedicated, disciplined, and committed senior police officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with exceptional professionalism, loyalty, and integrity”. “Throughout his distinguished career, DCP Khan Salihu exemplified diligence, exemplary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to duty. trending_flat News & Politics Lagos Deputy Commissioner of Police is dead Arthur Iyamore June 16, 2026 trending_flat Inside Ondo Teenager Arrested After Alleged Bottle Attack on Boyfriend in Ondo Tosin June 16, 2026 trending_flat Business Dangote Plans Nigeria’s Largest Industrial Zone in Ondo Tosin June 16, 2026 trending_flat Business Ondo Sets Up Committee to […]
Related
Atiku and Obasanjo: War of words escalates over bribery claims
The verbal war between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar rose to a higher gear yesterday with Atiku dismissing Obasanjo’s allegation that he bribed the Ghali Umar Na’Abba-led House of Representatives to get him impeached as President before the 2003 elections. The allegation was contained in Obasanjo’s July 23 letter responding to former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba’s reflections on the 2003 elections, published in The Legal Observer on July 20 wherein he reflected on the frosty relationship between him and his former deputy. In a statement issued yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku alleged that the claims were revived to damage his reputation and bolster the political prospects of Obasanjo’s preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku described Obasanjo’s allegation that he bribed the late former Speaker […]
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES EXPANSION OF NIGERIAN ARMY TO 12 DIVISIONS
RECRUITMENT OF 28,000 PERSONNEL TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. This approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further. The expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troops' welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation. Our correspondent in the state house, Abuja, reported that the President said that under the new structure, the […]
Reps seek nationwide audit of seized, forfeited assets since 1999
The House of Representatives yesterday called for a comprehensive audit and verification of all seized, forfeited, recovered, managed, disposed of and repatriated assets held by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), anti-corruption agencies, security agencies and courts from May 29, 1999 to date. The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, on the need for a comprehensive audit, digital registry and strengthened accountability framework for seized, forfeited and recovered assets in Nigeria. The Green Chamber also resolved to constitute an ad hoc committee to investigate the inventory, valuation, management, preservation, disposal, utilisation and proceeds of recovered assets across the country, with a mandate to report within four weeks for further legislative action. Moving the motion, Osonwa noted that sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empower the […]
Insecurity: Tinubu okays establishment of Army Battalion in Kwara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of an Army Battalion in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said. The battalion is to be located at Omu Aran in Irepodun Local Government. The governor lauded President Tinubu for the kind gesture. ‘’This will effectively commit more boots and military hardware to neutralise security threats in the state," AbdulRazaq said. In a statement yesterday, the governor said the new military formation would boost security response to the threat of banditry and terrorism. "Specifically, I express our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for the swiftness with which he graciously processed our request for more hands to strengthen the presence of the Army in the state,” the statement quoted the governor as saying. Governor AbdulRazaq also acknowledged support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) […]
2027: Tinubu risk losing Ondo if APC disputed primary is not resolved – Ex-Commissioner Obe
A former Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Razaq Obe, has warned that President Bola Tinubu could lose Ondo State in 2027 election if disputes arising from the All Progressives Congress(APC) national assembly primaries are not resolved. Obe, who gave the warning on Tuesday during an interview on ARISE NEWS, said the controversy surrounding the conduct and outcome of the APC primaries had left many party members disgruntled. He said that the fallout could affect both the National Assembly and Presidential elections in the state. “If it’s not addressed, the cascading effect might not even impact the National Assembly election alone, but the presidential election in Ondo State,” Obe stated. The former commissioner argued that many party members now feel alienated following the handling of the primary process. “Are we going to go into election where over […]
Yayi Not Your Political Opponent, Oladele Fires Back at Iyabo Obasanjo
A former federal lawmaker, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has advised Senator Iyabo Obasanjo to concentrate on her senatorial ambition instead of what he described as persistent attempts to blackmail the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. Oladele said the campaign of calumny against Yayi would not diminish his growing popularity across Ogun State, insisting that the APC candidate remained the most experienced, most widely accepted and best prepared aspirant in the race. In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Crimes said Yayi had continued to build momentum by attracting unprecedented support from party leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, women, youths and other stakeholders across the three senatorial districts of the state. He described Obasanjo’s repeated attacks on the APC candidate […]
Be the first to leave a comment