THIS DAWN — Fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following public accusations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies have allegedly taken control of the party’s leadership structure to secure its 2027 presidential ticket.
In a sharply worded commentary published on December 9, political commentator Ndubuisi Nicholas Ifedoro claimed that Atiku’s camp “hijacked ADC the moment the coalition happened”.
Ifedoro insisted that the party has been avoiding the core issue of zoning in order to pave the way for a northern presidential candidate.
According to the political commentator, the reluctance to openly address zoning arrangements is deliberate.
He argued that once exposed, prospective defectors would understand the internal dynamics they are walking into.
He noted that the South is constitutionally and morally owed “its remaining four years”.
Ifedoro warned that attempts to impose a northern candidate—particularly Atiku—would be met with resistance.
The Peter Obi imbroglio
The writer also cautioned supporters urging former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to join the ADC.
He described such a move as “a trap” given the alleged predetermined decision in favor of Atiku.
He asserted that the former vice president, who will turn 81 in 2027, is no longer electable.
Citing a long history of presidential bids dating back to 1993, he asked: “How many times has he run?”
He listed Atiku’s past attempts at the presidency as 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
He wrote: ‘You cannot deny the South its remaining four years with one excuse or another…
“ADC is simply a trap when the party has already made up its mind on Atiku.
“That decision is dead on arrival because… Atiku Abubakar is not electable in 2027 and beyond.
“Atiku will be 81 years old in 2027.
“How many times has he run? 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 and now again in 2027?
“Six times and about to contest the seventh time. Is he the only Nigerian?”
Ifedoro argued that Nigeria can no longer afford to recycle aging political figures.
He referenced former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration under Bola Tinubu as case study.
He called for a generational shift, urging Atiku to retire honorably, mentor younger leaders, and support the South’s completion of the “gentleman agreement” on power rotation.
In the piece, he further warned that handing the ADC presidential ticket to Atiku would trigger internal revolt.
He, therefore, vowed that party members opposed to the move would “retire him in a way he won’t forget.”
Ifedoro, in the article, insisted that Nigeria deserves “new energy, new ideas, and new direction,” urging political actors to end what he described as decades of leadership recycling.
“If ADC hands over its presidential ticket to Pa Atiku, I will campaign, mobilize, and vote for Pa Tinubu… with no regrets.
“Atiku should sit down with dignity, mentor younger leaders, and allow the South to complete its gentleman agreement.
“Nigeria deserves new energy, new ideas, and new direction,” he insists.
The ADC has not issued an official response to the allegations.
