ABUJA:  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the electoral threat posed by Northern rivals seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that his popularity across the region remains unmatched.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Atiku signaled his unwavering intent to contest the 2027 presidency, despite concerns raised by the Presidency that his continued bids could "upset national cohesion."

Confidence in Northern "Block Votes"

Addressing the competitive landscape within the ADC—which has recently seen an influx of high-profile defectors—Atiku questioned the national reach of his contemporaries. He specifically referenced figures such as Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

"Can you tell me among the current leaders in the North who has more votes than I have?" Atiku challenged. "None of them has gotten more Northern block votes as much as I have. Kwankwaso has only Kano votes... and even in his own case, you can see how Kano is now split."

While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano, Atiku argued that internal political divisions in the state have diluted the former governor's once-solid base.

A Commitment to Democratic Outcomes

The battle for the ADC ticket has increasingly polarized the party. While Atiku’s camp, led by chieftain Dele Momodu, has floated a potential Atiku/Obi ticket, supporters of former Anambra Governor Peter Obi have called for the ticket to be zoned to the South. Tanko Yunusa, spokesperson for the "Obidient Movement," insisted that an Obi/Kwankwaso pairing is the only viable path to victory.

Despite these tensions, Atiku emphasized his commitment to party unity:

• Consensus First: The coalition’s primary goal is to produce a consensus candidate.

• Democratic Process: If consensus fails, a transparent primary election will determine the flagbearer.

• Support for Rivals: Atiku explicitly stated he would step aside and support whoever emerges victorious, including Peter Obi.

"What is difficult there? It is democracy," Atiku remarked when asked if stepping down for his former 2019 running mate would be a challenge.

Policy and Political Shift

Atiku, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC last year, also outlined a key legislative priority for his potential administration. He pledged to pursue a constitutional amendment to establish a rotational presidency, a move aimed at addressing long-standing grievances regarding power-sharing in Nigeria.

The ADC has become the new focal point for Nigeria’s opposition heavyweights. The party's roster now includes:

• Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President)

• Peter Obi (Former Governor of Anambra)

• Rabiu Kwankwaso (Former Governor of Kano)

• Aminu Tambuwal (Former Governor of Sokoto)

• Chibuike Amaechi (Former Governor of Rivers)

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the ADC faces the daunting task of managing these outsized political egos to maintain a unified front against the ruling party.