A senior figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dominic Alancha, has raised concerns over a potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor Peter Obi, warning that such a coalition could seriously weaken the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Alancha said both leaders, if united under a single ticket, could command over 13 to 14 million votes, potentially surpassing the APC’s performance in 2023.
“If Atiku and Obi reach a consensus and run together, it will deplete our support base significantly,” Alancha said.
“They already control a large share of the electorate.”
The warning comes after a wave of high-profile opposition leaders; Atiku, Obi, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and others adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in July as their joint political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The coalition was formed amid growing public dissatisfaction over economic issues, including inflation and a high cost of living.
Together, Obi and Atiku polled over 12 million votes in the 2023 elections, more than four million above Tinubu’s official tally.
Alancha, who also leads the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), advised President Tinubu to reconsider the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket used in 2023, arguing it could further alienate northern Christians and cost the party vital votes in a more competitive 2027 race.
“If the same religious ticket is retained, it gives the opposition a strong advantage. The coalition is not sleeping, they’re working hard,” he said.
He stressed that early preparation is key, warning that the calm atmosphere now may not last once campaigns heat up.
The APC chieftain also commented on growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan might stage a political comeback in 2027.
Though Jonathan has not declared any intention to run, reports suggest quiet lobbying within the PDP and parts of the North calling for his return.
“Jonathan is around the corner. Some northern groups are forming almost a cult-like movement pushing for his return,” Alancha claimed.
He cautioned that if Jonathan joins the race alongside Atiku and Obi, the APC would struggle to justify a continued reliance on the 2023 strategy.
“In a three-horse race featuring Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi, the APC must present a more balanced ticket if it wants to remain viable,” he said.
While some view Jonathan’s possible return as a stabilizing force, critics believe it could deepen the PDP’s internal crisis, especially with recent defections and leadership crisis.
