The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yinusa Tanko Yakasai, has played down concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could stand in the way of Peter Obi’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Speaking on Politics on Sunday on TVC, Yakasai said Atiku could even throw his weight behind Obi to secure the party’s ticket. He described the former Vice President as a respected leader and father figure who understands that winning an election does not necessarily require being the candidate.
According to Yakasai, while Atiku has every right to contest the presidency, he equally has the option of supporting another aspirant he believes can deliver victory for the party.
Reacting to questions about the possibility of Atiku blocking Obi’s chances within the ADC, Yakasai dismissed such a scenario, insisting that Atiku would not engage in such actions.
“Atiku Abubakar is a leader and a father. He would not be part of that kind of maneuver,” Yakasai said. “He has the right to contest, but he also has the right to endorse someone else. Winning does not always mean being the candidate yourself; it can mean supporting someone you believe is capable of winning for all of us.”
Both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are widely regarded as leading contenders for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls. However, debate continues within political circles over who will eventually emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
Meanwhile, Obi’s supporters have repeatedly maintained that the former Anambra State governor will only accept a presidential ticket in 2027. Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, has also reaffirmed his intention to contest and appear on the ballot in the next general election.