Former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are stepping up efforts to secure a joint presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lobbying northern leaders with a proposed one-term power rotation deal.
Party insiders say the duo is promoting a single-term presidency to convince key northern stakeholders to back their alliance and shift support away from Atiku Abubakar ahead of the party’s primaries. The strategy is aimed at consolidating northern backing for a southern candidate in 2027, with Obi projected to serve only one term if successful.
Despite internal leadership disputes within the ADC and a pending Supreme Court ruling, aspirants have continued consultations. Kwankwaso’s camp, in particular, has intensified outreach in recent weeks, engaging traditional rulers and influential northern figures, especially those opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid.
Supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance argue that fairness demands the South completes its eight-year tenure, noting that the North previously held power for the same duration before Tinubu’s administration. They maintain that backing another northerner like Atiku could undermine the region’s long-term political interests.
The joint ticket campaign gained traction even before Kwankwaso formally joined the ADC on March 30, 2026. On April 20, supporters launched the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement to advance their ambition ahead of the primaries.
Meanwhile, Atiku—who served as vice president under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007—has declared that the 2027 election will be his final presidential bid.
Sources within the ADC claim the Obi-Kwankwaso camp has made inroads among northern leaders, with some reportedly shifting allegiance. However, Atiku’s supporters dismiss the move as routine political maneuvering, insisting he remains the dominant force in the North and within the party structure.
A former lawmaker aligned with Atiku acknowledged Kwankwaso’s role in leading outreach efforts, suggesting the former Kano governor may be positioning himself for a 2031 presidential run if Obi honors a one-term agreement.
Within the ADC, tensions are rising as southern aspirants—including Obi and Rotimi Amaechi—seek alliances with northern heavyweights such as Aminu Tambuwal and Nasir El-Rufai to counter Atiku’s influence.
Despite these moves, analysts and party figures note that Atiku remains deeply entrenched in the ADC’s structure, making him difficult to dislodge. While party leaders are pushing for consensus, divisions among aspirants could lead to direct primaries.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi stated that consultations are part of the democratic process and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity, expressing hope that a consensus candidate will emerge.
