Atiku and Obi are delaying defection over unresolved zoning in ADC ahead of 2027 election.
A new report has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi are yet to formally defect from their respective parties due to unresolved issues surrounding the 2027 presidential ticket within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to sources cited by Punch, the delay is linked to ongoing consultations within the ADC over its zoning arrangement for the next presidential election. Once the party finalises its decision on whether the presidential ticket will go to the North or the South, those favoured by the outcome, particularly top contenders like Atiku and Obi are expected to officially align with the ADC as a united front against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
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While Peter Obi has openly shown support for the coalition, he has not formally joined the ADC. Similarly, Atiku has made no official declaration of defection, but coalition insiders remain confident that he intends to contest the 2027 election under the new platform.
“The leadership of the ADC has started laying the groundwork,” a coalition source disclosed. “Once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the timetable for the 2027 elections, the ADC will fully activate its structures to support mass defection and solidify formal membership.”
The source expressed concern over the delay, noting that Obi and Atiku’s formal defection would serve as a rallying point for millions of supporters across the country.
“We had expected them or at least their allies to resign from their legacy parties and formally join the ADC before the coalition’s official unveiling on Wednesday,” the source said. “They are waiting to see which region the party will zone the ticket to, but once that is settled, they will make their move.”
Another insider confirmed that the coalition is progressing steadily and emphasized that the zoning decision will be a critical moment.
“Many are joining this coalition to present a united front against what they view as a failed administration under President Tinubu,” the source added. “Atiku, Obi, and others are only holding back because the zoning formula is still under discussion. Once that is finalized, mass defection is expected.”
Party leaders are reportedly working behind the scenes to finalize the framework so that when INEC releases the election schedule, the ADC will be ready to absorb new members and officially launch its challenge ahead of the 2027 general elections.
