*As Atiku Tightens Grip On Party’s Presidential Ticket*
Fresh uncertainty has engulfed the African Democratic Congress amid mounting speculations that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may dump the party if the 2027 presidential ticket goes to Atiku Abubakar, a development analysts say could badly weaken the opposition platform, especially in the South East ahead of the elections.
The party, which has recently witnessed rapid expansion in several states, particularly in the South-East, is said to be facing internal pressure over zoning, ambition clashes and fears that Atiku already holds a strategic advantage in the contest for the presidential nomination.
Political observers say the likely exit of Obi, whose popularity remains strong among urban youths and South-East voters, would deal a severe blow to ADC’s electoral momentum, especially in states where the party’s growth has largely been tied to his possible participation.
In Imo State, ADC has emerged as one of the fastest-growing opposition parties, driven by Obi’s influence and the entry of Emeka Ihedioha, who is regarded as the party leader in the state and widely tipped to secure its governorship ticket for the November 2027 governorship election.
The party’s standing in Imo has also been boosted by the backing of Achike Udenwa, whose presence alongside Ihedioha has given the platform political weight and organisational firepower, making it a serious contender in the state’s political equation.
However, sources within the party say much of the excitement among rank-and-file members is tied to expectations that Obi could replicate the political surge he generated in 2023 when his candidacy under the Labour Party helped propel several candidates into the Senate, House of Representatives and state assemblies.
An Analyst, Uche Okere said if Obi leaves ADC, many aspirants banking on an “Obi wave” may see their ambitions collapse. He argued that the party’s calculations in the South-East are heavily dependent on Obi remaining in the race under its banner.
According to him, even if Obi stays but loses the presidential ticket to Atiku, ADC may still struggle to gain traction in Imo and across much of the South-East, where many voters are believed to prefer the former Anambra State Governor.
The anxiety deepened after INNONEWS reported comments credited to Kwankwaso, who said no final decision had been taken on his political future but confirmed consultations were ongoing with the National Democratic Coalition, Peoples Redemption Party and other groups over the current crisis in ADC.
Kwankwaso was quoted as saying misleading narratives had trailed reports of possible realignments, but stressed that talks were ongoing as he weighs his next political move. His remarks have intensified speculations that he and Obi may soon abandon the party if internal disagreements persist in the ADC.
Should both Obi and Kwankwaso walk away, analyst Okere warns that ADC could suffer a damaging credibility crisis nationally, while in Imo the party may lose the presidential momentum many believe is crucial to boosting Ihedioha’s governorship prospects and the chances of legislative candidates in 2027.
