A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kelly Agbaba, has asserted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains the principal challenger to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Agbaba, who serves as the coordinator of the Citizens Coalition, stated that while the exits of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the coalition are notable, they do not undermine Atiku's prospects.
Atiku's Strengths Against Tinubu's Administration
Agbaba emphasized that Atiku's position is strengthened by widespread public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration. He noted that the political dynamics have shifted significantly since 2023, with many Nigerians seeking an alternative leadership. 'The dynamic in our polity has changed because of the cogent reality of the failure of the Tinubu-led administration. People are looking for an alternative, and that shift benefits Atiku more than it hurts him,' Agbaba explained during an exclusive interview with Legit.ng.
Coalition Resilience Despite Departures
Addressing the departure of Obi and Kwankwaso, Agbaba insisted that the coalition remains intact and is adapting to the new political landscape. 'The coalition isn't perplexed despite their exit. Some of the major coalescing blocs are intact, and ADC remains intact. The tide isn't the same as it was in 2023,' he said. Agbaba highlighted that Atiku's nationwide reach and the frustration with Tinubu's policies position him as the main opposition figure to watch in 2027.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Agbaba called on Nigerians to expect ADC to consolidate its efforts moving forward. 'The major blocs are still there, and they're adapting. 2027 won't look like 2023. The game is open, and Atiku is in a stronger position than many think,' he stated. He believes that the north, including the north-west, will show significant support for Atiku in the upcoming election.
Obi's Explanation on ADC Alliance Collapse
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has denied claims that he was avoiding Atiku ahead of the 2027 election. Speaking at the Spier Dialogue 2026 in South Africa, Obi described Atiku as a respected leader and elder brother, attributing his decision to leave the ADC coalition to internal disputes and legal battles. The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, which aimed to consolidate opposition against Tinubu, has faced challenges, but both leaders maintain significant grassroots support in their respective regions.
Emerging Opposition Alliances
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso's Kwankwasiyya movement continues to enjoy strong grassroots support in Kano state. The evolving opposition alliances are reshaping the political landscape for the 2027 presidential election. As the election approaches, the battle for Nigeria's presidency remains open, with Atiku positioned as a key contender alongside other opposition figures.
