By Nwosa Hamilton
As the political landscape of Nigeria is shaping up ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi — are reportedly set to sign a unity pact.
The New Diplomat gathered that the Unity pact is an agreement that will commit these political heavyweights to supporting the winner of the party’s presidential primary, provided the process is transparent and credible.
This move signals the latest development as the opposition coalition aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Recall that ADC, recently adopted as the platform for a formidable opposition coalition, is positioning itself as an alternative to the ruling APC.
Already the party has appointed high-profile figures such as former President of the Senate David Mark as the interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor as interim National Secretary, respectively.
The New Diplomat checks reveal that heightened anxieties over who secures the ADC presidential ticket amongst the contenders led to the latest move whereby the trio of Atiku, Obi Amaechi as well as others would voluntarily sign a unity pact ahead of the party’s primiaries.
An insider source who spoke with the press confirmed that the leadership of the ADC initiated this steps to avert any possible crisis.
The source said: “What we agreed in principle is that whoever emerges from a transparent primary will be supported by everyone. But first, we need to define what we mean by transparent. Without clarity, the process could be hijacked, and we cannot afford that.”
Recall that Atiku, who ran as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, has hinted at another presidential bid.
During a recent meeting with Gombe stakeholders in Abuja, he reaffirmed his ambition, stating, “I remain committed to serving Nigeria and addressing the challenges that hold us back. The 2027 election is an opportunity to reset our nation’s trajectory, and I’m ready to lead that charge.”
Atiku, however, denied rumors that he was pressured to step down for a southern candidate, emphasizing that the ADC’s primary would be a democratic contest.
Also, Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has thrown his hat into the ring. Known for galvanizing a youth-driven movement, Obi has repeatedly said that he will contest for the presidency, dismissing rumours of a possible vice-presidential role.
In a recent media interview, he said, “My focus is on providing leadership that Nigerians can trust. I’m not in discussions to be anyone’s running mate. The ADC’s platform offers a fresh chance to unite for a better Nigeria, and I’m committed to a transparent process.”
In the same vein, Amaechi, a former Rivers State Governor and a key APC figure before his defection, has indicated interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.
