The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that presenting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in 2027 would amount to “political suicide”, insisting that only Peter Obi has the national spread and credibility to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The position was made known by Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, OYC National President, during a media interaction at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he said the ADC must avoid an “avoidable electoral disaster” by respecting Nigeria’s rotational presidency principle.
He argued that the long-standing North–South power balance places the 2027 presidential ticket squarely in the South, with the region expected to complete its tenure in 2031. Against this backdrop, he said Obi stands out as the most competent Southern contender.
Igboayaka dismissed the push for Atiku to lead the ADC ticket, describing it as a dangerous manoeuvre capable of gifting Tinubu a smooth return to Aso Rock. He alleged that efforts to pair Obi as vice-presidential candidate to Atiku amount to “a conspiracy that indirectly works in Tinubu’s favour.”
According to him, it would be “politically reckless” to present a Northern candidate in 2027, warning that such a move could generate sympathy votes for the current administration rather than dislodge it.
He maintained that a joint ticket with Obi as presidential candidate and Atiku as running mate is the only viable combination capable of defeating the APC, insisting that Obi’s “natural, organic followership” remains unmatched across the country.
The OYC president noted that Atiku would make “global political history” by accepting the deputy slot, adding that such a move would help heal decades of grievance in the South-East, which has not produced a president in 61 years.
He warned that any scheme to deny Obi the ADC ticket would trigger pushback from Ndigbo and other Nigerians who believe he must appear on the presidential ballot in 2027. According to him, the party risks being “dismantled” at the polls if it hands the ticket to Atiku.
Igboayaka said the South will not accept a subordinate political role in 2027, urging those lobbying Obi to accept a vice-presidential position to instead persuade Atiku to “do what is right” for national stability.
He stated that the mood of the country is clear: Peter Obi must be on the ballot in 2027 — and any alternative arrangement will face stiff nationwide resistance.
