Politics
Top Northern Politician Reveals the Only Way Peter Obi Can Secure ADC Ticket
A prominent northern political figure has outlined what he believes is the only realistic path for Peter Obi to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The politician, Umar Ardo, said Obi’s ambition within the ADC depends largely on the decision of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, Obi cannot clinch the party’s ticket unless Atiku withdraws from the race.
Ardo, who convenes the League of Northern Democrats and once sought the governorship of Adamawa State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared his views during a televised interview on Tuesday. He maintained that the current political structure of the ADC strongly favours Atiku.
Moreover, He explained that Atiku remains the dominant force within the party and would easily defeat any challenger if a primary election were held today.
Ardo insisted that repeated primaries would still produce the same outcome unless Atiku decides otherwise.
“Well, the ADC, as it is currently constituted, if it goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times. There is absolutely no doubt about that. How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what will determine the election,” Ardo said.
“I am not saying that Peter Obi cannot be the candidate of the party; however, he can only be the candidate of the party if Atiku steps down,” he added.
Despite his position, Ardo acknowledged Obi’s political relevance and described him as a major asset to the ADC. He noted that the former Anambra State governor commands a large and loyal voter base across the country.
He said Obi’s popularity, which he estimated at over six million votes, is one of the reasons the ADC is keen on keeping him within its fold. According to Ardo, the party sees Obi as a strategic figure who can strengthen its chances in the next election.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, recently aligned with the ADC after months of consultations with party stakeholders. His move sparked wide reactions within opposition circles and among his supporters nationwide.
Obi formally addressed his supporters during a political gathering held in Enugu on December 31, where he explained the motivation behind his decision to join the ADC. He described the move as a fresh political journey aimed at national renewal.
The ADC has recently attracted several heavyweight politicians from across the country. Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
These political actors are part of a growing opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
As a result, the group adopted the ADC as its common platform last year in a bid to present a united front.
Former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside his supporters.
Hon. Yayari, who was a gubernatorial candidate under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP, picked up his APC membership card at his Kalshingi Ward in Akko Local Government Area.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Yayari, who served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, pledged to deploy his years of political experience, extensive networks and support base towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.
He specifically expressed his commitment to supporting the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, as well as other APC candidates at both state and national levels.
The former PDP National Treasurer said his decision to join the APC was accompanied by a commitment to work with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters towards strengthening the party and delivering electoral success in 2027.
Our correspondent reports that Hon.Yayari’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile political realignments in the State, with prominent politicians and thousands of their supporters moving into the APC.
Political pundits said the move is significant given his previous roles at the national level of the PDP and his experience within Gombe State’s political establishment.
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
We recalls that in February, Atiku and Aisha, the wife of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, first met in Saudi Arabia.
Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, describing the meeting with the former First Lady as “warm and deeply appreciated”.
The former Vice-President said the visit also highlighted the need for those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare and future of Nigerians.
Atiku wrote, “Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated.”
He said families across the country were facing increasing pressure from the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, education and healthcare.
He added, “Beyond the courtesies of the occasion, it was also a reminder of the urgent responsibility before all who seek a better Nigeria: to put the welfare, dignity and future of our people first.”
Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that would provide opportunities and enable families to live with dignity and hope.
He wrote, “Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities. Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope.”
He concluded, “That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again. We must ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”
Lawmaker representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, Usman Midala, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Balami has defected to the Accord Party, where he is set to seek another term in the House of Representatives
The lawmaker, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, made his decision after consultations with political leaders, supporters, family members and associates.
His resignation from the APC was contained in a letter dated September 15, 2026, and addressed to the party.
The letter was also endorsed by the APC ward chairman in Hawul Local Government Area.
Balami explained that his decision to leave the ruling party was linked to concerns over the conduct of its primary elections.
According to him, the process did not provide what he considered adequate conditions for credible, free, fair and transparent participation by aspirants.
The federal lawmaker also disclosed that he decided not to take part in the APC primary election because of the situation surrounding the process.
Despite his departure, Balami acknowledged the role played by the APC and its leaders during his time in the party.
He appreciated the party for giving him the platform to contest elections and serve his constituents, adding that his experience within the party contributed to his political development and public service.
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