Power Struggle Deepens as Atiku’s Allies Consolidate ADC Control Ahead of 2027, Leaving Obi’s Camp Scrambling for Influence

 

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is navigating a turbulent political landscape within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, as allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tighten their hold on the party’s power structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Multiple insiders confirm that Atiku’s loyalists have been steadily consolidating their grip since the alliance came together, using early entry into the coalition and significant financial resources to sideline rival factions. This strategic positioning is reportedly reshaping the party’s internal dynamics and creating unease among Obi’s supporters.

According to a senior figure within the coalition, more than 70 percent of the ADC’s national structure has fallen under the influence of Atiku’s network. This dominance spans key organs such as the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees, and various state chapters. The source added that in states where party leaders resist Atiku’s influence, efforts are underway to engineer leadership changes that could secure favorable decision-making for the former vice president.

The same source noted that Obi remains a member of the coalition but is finding it difficult to match the speed and reach of Atiku’s political maneuvers. “As far as the ADC is concerned, Atiku is in charge,” the insider said. “Many of his loyalists are already embedded in strategic positions. While Obi is present, the reality is that Atiku’s camp is far ahead.”

A second source pointed to funding as a decisive factor in the takeover. This insider claimed that Atiku’s team made large dollar sums available early in the coalition’s formation, convincing certain ADC members to step aside in favor of his allies. “This was the strategy from day one. He would not spend such sums without aiming to influence the outcome. Many of his strategists are already in place, preparing the ground for either his candidacy or his control over the eventual nominee.”

The growing dominance of Atiku’s loyalists has unsettled the Obidient Movement, the grassroots network that rallied behind Obi during the 2023 elections. In a memo dated July 29, 2025, and signed by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, the group accused the ADC leadership of deliberately excluding their members from critical decision-making processes. The memo warned that such exclusion fosters a sense of marginalisation and could damage trust within the coalition.

Despite these concerns, Yunusa publicly downplayed suggestions that Obi is losing ground. He stated that the former governor is not in a contest for relevance and that his focus remains on broader political goals. “His Excellency Peter Obi has said that he is part of the coalition for the 2027 election but remains a Labour Party member. The time will come when he decides his next move.”

The ADC leadership has also rejected claims of a takeover. Interim National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdulahi insisted the party remains committed to fairness and inclusivity. He argued that the National Organizing Secretary, nominated by Obi, holds one of the most influential positions in the NWC.

“All stakeholders are being carried along. The ADC is not loyal to any single individual and has not been taken over by anyone,” Abdulahi said. “Our focus is on uniting the opposition to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 and delivering good governance. We are not engaged in any internal battles over preferred candidates at this stage.”

Abdulahi emphasized that the coalition platform extends beyond the next general election, describing it as a long-term project aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what he called the failures of the current administration. He stressed that the party will guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of their political stature or financial power.

The unfolding power play between Obi and Atiku’s camps underscores the high stakes in the run-up to 2027. While the ADC leadership maintains a public posture of unity, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering reveals deep fault lines. For now, Atiku’s faction appears to have the upper hand, but whether this advantage holds will depend on how effectively Obi and other coalition members can counterbalance the growing influence of his rivals.

Political observers note that the outcome of this internal struggle could determine not only who emerges as the coalition’s presidential candidate but also the broader opposition’s ability to mount a serious challenge to the ruling party. With time still on the clock, both camps are likely to intensify their strategic positioning, setting the stage for a fierce contest that will shape Nigeria’s political future.