Political affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritize the party's interests over the egos of presidential aspirants, as tensions rise between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar. Okwuosa advised Atiku and Rabiu Kwankwaso to wait for the 2031 presidential election, asserting that Obi has a stronger chance against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
ADC Must Stay Focused
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent on Monday, April 20, 2026, Okwuosa emphasized that the ADC should not allow any presidential aspirant to overshadow the party. He stated that the party must ignore the egos of political heavyweights in the coalition and remain committed to its goals.
“Peter Obi stands a better chance amongst his contemporaries if the ADC stays focused and committed,” Okwuosa said.
Age and Zoning Factors
Okwuosa argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's chances are limited due to age and the zoning formula. He noted that the second term mandate falls on the South, making it inappropriate for a northern candidate to contest in 2027. He advised Atiku and Kwankwaso to wait for the 2031 election when the North's turn returns.
“Considering the age factor, Atiku's chances are limited. Using the zoning formula, the second term mandate falls on the South. Atiku and Kwankwaso should wait for the turn of the north, in 2031,” Okwuosa stated.
Call for Northern Support
The analyst urged northern politicians in the ADC, including Aminu Tambuwal, Nasir El-Rufai, and Abubakar Malami, to set aside tribal, religious, and regional sentiments. He called on them to support Obi for equity and because he stands a better chance at defeating President Tinubu.
“Tambuwal, El-Rufai, and Malami need to drop sentiments, sectionalism, and religion aside and support Obi, for the sake of Equity. Buhari did 8 years, let the South complete their turn,” Okwuosa said.
Direct Primary Advantage
Okwuosa asserted that Obi would defeat other aspirants if the ADC conducts a direct primary to select its presidential candidate. He urged the party to rally behind Obi to win against Tinubu in 2027.
Tinubu May Benefit from ADC Crisis
Recall that the convener of the APC South-East Coalition, Francis Okoye, criticized the disunity among ADC presidential aspirants following their national convention. Okoye claimed ADC leaders lack the willingness to sacrifice for party success against Tinubu in 2027. He predicted potential party shifts for Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Kwankwaso due to internal divisions.
Amaechi Mocks Atiku, Obi
Meanwhile, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi has claimed he is better than Atiku and Obi for the ADC 2027 presidential ticket. Amaechi dismissed the votes garnered by his contenders in the 2023 elections, stating he has more chances of winning.
