By Peter Omopo
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political bloc within the African Democratic Party (ADC) has begun scouting for a southern running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.
Reliable party sources revealed that Atiku’s camp is eyeing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as its top choice for the vice-presidential slot. Should Obi decline, the bloc is reportedly prepared to turn to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku Allies Push for Atiku–Obi Alliance
Speaking on Saturday, Atiku’s close associate and publisher, Dele Momodu, urged Obi to join forces with the former vice president in order to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Momodu described Atiku and Obi as “the strongest potential alliance” capable of dislodging the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power.
The duo previously ran together on the PDP ticket in 2019, losing to former President Muhammadu Buhari. They contested separately in 2023—Atiku on the PDP platform and Obi under Labour Party—both losing to Tinubu.
With Atiku now a registered ADC member and Obi yet to commit to a party for 2027, Momodu said collaboration remained crucial.
According to him, hesitation—particularly from Obi’s support base—was hindering efforts to build a unified opposition.
“If Peter Obi does not take advantage of a ready-made union between him and Atiku, it would be very unfortunate. It would be as good as working for Tinubu to come back,” Momodu warned.
He added that Atiku could shift to Amaechi if Obi delays his decision.
“A lot of people underrate Amaechi. He single-handedly handed power to Buhari. If Obi fails to decide, the mantle may fall on Amaechi,” he said.
Opposition Faces Tight Window
Momodu cautioned that time was running out.
“The person you want to dislodge is already a President. He is coercing and cajoling governors and senators. He wants to create a false impression of invincibility. Obi needs to make up his mind,” he said.
He argued that the PDP “is crumbling” and the Labour Party “has crumbled,” stressing that Obi must decide whether he will join ADC or seek a different platform.
Momodu also confirmed that Atiku and Obi “still communicate frequently.”
Obidient Movement: Obi Ready to Run — But on His Own Terms
Reacting, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and Obi’s spokesman, affirmed that Obi will contest in 2027, but clarified that collaboration with Atiku depends on clear terms.
Tanko insisted that a southern candidate remained the best route to defeating Tinubu.
“We need a leader with the capacity to move around the country and address issues. Obi has that capacity,” he said.
He argued that since the presidency is currently in the South, “continuity” demands supporting Obi for a single term, which he said Obi is committed to.
“If teaming up is on the table, then we can begin to talk,” he added.
Amaechi Camp Confirms Interest in ADC Ticket
An aide of former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Amaechi is interested in contesting the ADC presidential ticket, not merely serving as a running mate.
However, internal discussions are ongoing.
“Amaechi’s eye is on the presidential ticket. But politics is dynamic. Accepting a running mate offer is not impossible,” the aide said.
Another ally said Amaechi may consider a pre-primary deal.
“We must ask: can Amaechi defeat Atiku in a primary? If not, negotiating the vice-presidential slot before the primary may be the best option,” he explained.
He added that Obi might be reluctant to challenge Atiku within ADC, and is unlikely to accept a running mate position—explaining Obi’s delay in joining the party.
No Official Position from ADC or Amaechi
Attempts to reach Amaechi’s media adviser, David Iyofor, were unsuccessful, while the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also did not respond to calls.
As political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, the opposition landscape remains fluid, with observers watching closely to see whether an Atiku–Obi partnership—or an Atiku–Amaechi ticket—will ultimately emerge.
