Former Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Umar Ardo, has said that Peter Obi’s prospects of clinching the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket for the 2027 general election largely depend on whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar withdraws from the race.
Ardo made the assertion on Tuesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he assessed the internal dynamics of the ADC ahead of its anticipated primaries.
According to him, Atiku currently holds overwhelming influence within the party and would easily emerge as its flagbearer if a competitive primary is held.
“As the ADC is presently structured, if the party conducts primaries repeatedly, Atiku will win every single time,” Ardo said.
“There is no doubt about that. What will matter eventually is how Peter Obi and those supporting him respond to that reality.”
He clarified that his position did not rule out the possibility of Obi becoming the party’s candidate, but stressed that such an outcome would only be feasible if Atiku voluntarily stepped aside.
“I am not saying Peter Obi cannot emerge as the candidate. What I am saying is that he can only do so if Atiku withdraws,” he added.
Despite the apparent disadvantage, Ardo described Obi as a major political asset to the ADC, noting that the former Anambra State governor commands significant grassroots support.
He estimated that Obi controls over six million votes nationwide, a factor he said could be crucial to the party’s electoral strategy in 2027.
Obi officially joined the ADC toward the end of 2025 after months of consultations with party stakeholders.
Speaking at a political gathering in Enugu on December 31, he described his defection as the start of a renewed push to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and pursue inclusive national development.
He said the move symbolised hope for the coming year and a collective effort to rescue Nigeria from poor governance, insisting that democratic values must be defended against forces undermining them.
The ADC has recently attracted several prominent political figures, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark, all of whom are aligned with an opposition coalition positioning the party for the 2027 elections.
