(DDM) – A senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Ladan Salihu, has revealed that former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have agreed on mutual support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Salihu explained that Peter Obi is confident of Atiku Abubakar’s backing if he secures the ADC presidential ticket. Likewise, Obi has pledged to support Atiku should the former vice president emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
Salihu said the arrangement underscores fairness and the principle that the best candidate should emerge from the party’s primary contest.
He emphasized that the understanding between Obi and Atiku is grounded in mutual respect, warning against media distortions or misleading narratives.
“As much as he has defected into the ADC, Obi has said, ‘we will go, let the best candidate win,’” Salihu stated.
He added, “If Obi wins, he has the assurance that Atiku will support him, and if Atiku wins, Obi has given his word that he will support him. Nobody can sit down and make a caricature of that statement and reduce it to something that does not suit the narrative of the two men.”
Salihu further highlighted that the agreement between the two leaders demonstrates a focus on party unity and strategic collaboration rather than individual ambition.
He noted that this mutual support arrangement reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that the ADC presents a strong and credible candidate for the 2027 elections.
“The conversation is not about ego or rivalry; it is about promoting a democratic, merit-based process within the party,” Salihu added.
According to the ADC chieftain, the arrangement is also intended to reassure party members and Nigerians that internal contests will be fair, transparent, and free from manipulation.
“The ticket will be contested fairly, and the outcome will reflect the candidate best suited to lead Nigeria,” he said.
Salihu concluded by reiterating that no media outlet or individual should twist the understanding between Obi and Atiku to create division or controversy.
The relevant segment of Salihu’s interview can be viewed between 16:29 and 17:06 on Arise TV.
This development marks another strategic alignment within the ADC as it positions itself for the upcoming presidential election, signaling a united front between two prominent Nigerian political figures.
The party’s leadership insists that this understanding will strengthen internal cohesion, promote democratic principles, and enhance the credibility of its primary process.
Party members and observers have welcomed the statement, noting that it could reduce tensions and provide clarity on the dynamics between Obi and Atiku within the ADC.
The mutual support pledge between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar underscores a significant step toward collaboration in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of 2027.
