A former presidential candidate and close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, has dismissed claims that Atiku may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Speaking on Thursday, 8 January 2026, Momodu made it clear that Atiku has no intention of stepping down, despite growing speculation following recent political realignments ahead of the next general election.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially left the party in November 2025 and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His defection was widely viewed as a calculated move to position himself for the ADC’s presidential ticket in 2027.
Obi, who came third in the 2023 election with more than six million votes, also joined the ADC last week after leaving the Labour Party. His move has fueled discussions about a possible opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While some members of the ruling APC mocked Obi’s decision and suggested he could become Atiku’s running mate, several Obi supporters strongly opposed such an arrangement. Notable voices, including economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu, warned that they would withdraw support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential position.
Rumours later emerged that Atiku might step aside based on a reported understanding that Obi would serve a single four-year term before handing power to Atiku in 2031. Momodu, however, rejected the claim outright.
In an interview in Abuja, Momodu said some people had asked him to persuade Atiku to quit the race, mainly citing age as their reason. He questioned the logic of that argument, noting that Atiku is not less healthy than President Tinubu.
He argued that Atiku’s long experience, education, and private sector background should not be used against him, adding that attempts to portray him as unfit for office were unfair and repeated too often in public discussions.
According to Momodu, Atiku has remained active and independent since leaving office in 2007 and should not be pressured to abandon his ambition based on sentiment rather than merit.
Meanwhile, former lawmaker and activist Shehu Sani weighed in on the debate, warning Nigerians not to take politicians’ public statements as final. In a post on his verified X account, he noted that political positions often change when interests shift.
Behind the scenes, there are signs of ongoing talks between Atiku and Obi aimed at building a united opposition platform for 2027. Both men are believed to share a common goal of ending APC rule at the federal level.
Following the 2023 election, Atiku and Obi reportedly held consultations with opposition leaders, elder statesmen, and civil society groups to avoid another divided opposition that could benefit the ruling party.
Their move to the ADC is seen as a major step in that direction, with the party now emerging as a possible platform for a broad opposition alliance. However, discussions on zoning, power sharing, and leadership structure are said to be ongoing.
With Atiku, Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi all reportedly eyeing the ADC presidential ticket, the party is expected to witness a keenly contested primary ahead of the 2027 general election.