Supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have dismissed remarks by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar about contesting the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying Obi would never partake in Nigeria’s “dollarised primaries.”
The Obidient Movement, Obi’s mass followership, described Atiku’s declaration as “mind games,” stressing that their principal’s political philosophy is at odds with the transactional politics of delegate inducement that dominate the country’s major parties.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the movement, said Obi’s ideology rejects vote-buying and dollar-backed delegate auctions.
“I’m happy Atiku is saying what he has in mind. It shows there’s something to hold him accountable for. But Peter Obi is bringing a new political ideology into the system,” Tanko said.
“I can say it authoritatively: Obi will never contest in a primary election where delegates must be bought. That has become the norm in other camps. Delegates today are not only purchased, but in dollars, not naira. For those of us who want to inspire young Nigerians, who neither stole money nor have access to state funds, how do you encourage them with such practices?” he asked.
Atiku, in a Wednesday interview with BBC Hausa, confirmed he was preparing to contest the ADC presidential primaries but pledged to step aside if defeated by a younger aspirant. He, however, avoided committing outright to being on the 2027 ballot.
“This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said. “If I run for office and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women.”
Dismissing speculation that he might later dump the ADC, the 78-year-old former vice president insisted he was “a man of one Qibla,” signalling loyalty to the platform.
Atiku’s comments have stirred debate in political circles, with some urging him to step aside in 2027 and support a younger candidate, while others doubt his willingness to surrender the stage.
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