A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State, Sir Emmanuel Offiah, has issued a strong warning to the party’s leadership, declaring that fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as its presidential candidate in 2027 would amount to political suicide for the party.
Offiah, who spoke to journalists in Awka, Anambra State, stressed that Atiku no longer commands the national appeal required to unseat an incumbent president, warning that his candidacy would only hand President Bola Tinubu an easy second-term victory.
“Let me be very clear—if ADC gives its presidential ticket to Atiku Abubakar, the party will go into political coma. The South will overwhelmingly reject him, and that rejection will hand Tinubu a smooth ride to victory,” Offiah warned.
According to him, Atiku’s support base has shrunk drastically and is now largely confined to parts of the North, where he is also facing growing fatigue among voters. He noted that in contrast, President Tinubu still retains massive political support across the country.
“Contrary to earlier speculations, Tinubu’s political grip is still firm. He may have challenges, but his structure is intact, and he’s consolidating his base. If ADC truly wants to remove him in 2027, only one man can do it—Peter Obi,” Offiah stated.
He added that Obi’s nationwide appeal, integrity, and proven leadership credentials make him the only viable candidate with the capacity to rally Nigerians across regions and political divides.
“In the South-East today, the prevailing sentiment is simple: if not Obi, then let Tinubu continue. That tells you the level of trust people have in Obi’s candidacy. Any attempt to impose Atiku as ADC presidential candidate will collapse like a house of cards,” he said.
Offiah also noted that both the APC and PDP are likely to field Southern presidential candidates in 2027, and questioned why ADC would even contemplate fielding a Northern candidate like Atiku in such a politically sensitive environment.
“Why should ADC be thinking of a Northerner at this time, when the pulse of the nation is calling for Southern leadership? That is not only politically tone-deaf, it’s suicidal,” he noted.
He called on ADC chieftains in the North to face political reality and throw their support behind Peter Obi, who has already pledged to serve a single term if elected.
“Obi’s one-term pledge is a game changer. It shows he’s not desperate for power, but truly wants to rebuild Nigeria. That’s the kind of message that can win elections and unite the country,” he said.
Offiah, however, expressed disappointment that some party leaders in the South-East are backing Atiku’s alleged interest in the ADC presidential ticket, describing it as a move that will politically backfire.
“It is unfortunate that some of our people are aligning with Atiku. They will soon realize the political shock that awaits them. Atiku’s time has passed. Nigeria is moving in a different direction,” he said.
He urged the party to act wisely and boldly.
“If ADC is serious about displacing the APC, it must field Peter Obi. He’s our best shot—possibly our only shot—at victory in 2027,” Offiah declared.
