A former presidential candidate and ally of ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, has ruled out speculation that Atiku may withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest in favour of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Momodu spoke on Thursday amid growing debate over opposition realignment ahead of the next general election, following the decision by both Atiku and Obi to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, formally defected to the ADC in November 2025 after resigning from the PDP. His move was widely viewed as a calculated step towards securing the party’s presidential ticket for 2027.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 poll with over six million votes, also left the Labour Party for the ADC last week, further fuelling speculation of an emerging opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The development triggered mixed reactions, with figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress, including Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, mocking the possibility that Obi could end up as Atiku’s running mate. However, prominent Obi supporters, such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu, rejected any suggestion of Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot, warning they would withdraw their support if such an arrangement materialised.
In recent days, rumours had circulated that Atiku might step down for Obi under an alleged agreement that would see Obi serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031. Momodu, however, dismissed the claim as baseless.
Speaking in Abuja, the Ovation publisher said calls for Atiku to abandon his ambition were largely driven by prejudice rather than substance. He questioned why Atiku’s age was being raised as an issue, noting that similar arguments were not applied to President Tinubu.
Momodu argued that Atiku’s experience, education, and track record in business and public service placed him among the most qualified contenders, adding that attempts to undermine his ambition had become a recurring media narrative.
Meanwhile, former senator and rights activist Shehu Sani appeared to caution against taking politicians’ public declarations at face value. In a post on his verified X handle, Sani noted that political positions are often fluid and can change when circumstances demand.
Despite public denials, there are indications of ongoing behind-the-scenes engagements between Atiku and Obi as opposition leaders seek common ground ahead of 2027. Both men are believed to share a mutual goal of unseating President Tinubu and ending the APC’s grip on power.
Following the 2023 election, Atiku and Obi reportedly consulted widely with opposition figures, elder statesmen, and civil society groups on the need for a broad coalition to avoid a repeat of the fragmented opposition that benefited the APC. Their move to the ADC is seen as the clearest signal yet that those discussions are gaining traction.
However, with Atiku, Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi all reportedly eyeing the ADC’s presidential ticket, the party is expected to witness a keenly contested primary, setting the stage for an intense political battle ahead of the 2027 polls.
