Atiku, Ihedioha Secretly ‘Working for Tinubu’ to Undermine 2027 Opposition — Ohanaeze Youth Alleges

 

 

 

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha of secretly working in the interest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the group described both politicians as “moles” allegedly planted to destabilise the opposition coalition, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

Speaking on behalf of the group, its National President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, warned that the internal crisis that plagued the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 could resurface if urgent steps are not taken.

 

He blamed what he termed “self-serving political manoeuvres” by northern elites, accusing Atiku of repeating a “dangerous political precedent” that contributed to the PDP’s internal breakdown during the last election cycle.

 

According to Igboayaka, Atiku’s alleged refusal to respect Nigeria’s informal power rotation principle between the North and South played a major role in destabilising the PDP. He argued that after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari, it was only equitable for power to shift southward.

 

The OYC further claimed that the PDP violated its internal balance when both its national chairman and presidential candidate emerged from the North in 2023 — a development the group said deepened divisions within the party.

 

In a notable defence, the group absolved the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of blame for the PDP crisis, insisting his actions were not aimed at destroying the party but were reactions to perceived injustice.

 

Turning its attention to the ADC, the group warned of a similar pattern, noting that both the party’s national chairman, David Mark, and Atiku — who is reportedly interested in the party’s presidential ticket — are from the North. It cautioned that such an arrangement could spark internal rebellion and ultimately benefit Tinubu’s re-election bid.

 

“To demonstrate sincerity in stopping Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Atiku Abubakar should step down and support a southern candidate,” Igboayaka said.

 

The council also alleged a coordinated effort within the ADC to frustrate the presidential ambition of Peter Obi. It accused figures such as Kenneth Okonkwo and Ihedioha of working behind the scenes to ensure Atiku emerges as the party’s candidate.

 

According to the group, Ihedioha has allegedly positioned loyalists within party structures in Imo State to weaken Obi’s support base.

 

The OYC claimed that Atiku’s continued interest in contesting the ADC ticket is part of a broader strategy to split opposition votes in 2027, thereby easing Tinubu’s path to re-election while preserving his own chances for a future bid.

 

Describing the alleged plot as “deliberate,” the group said it could reshape the political landscape if not addressed swiftly.

 

In a dramatic move, the council issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Peter Obi, urging him to withdraw from the ADC and seek an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

“We urge him to relinquish his membership from the ADC within 72 hours and identify another political party to secure his candidacy by all feasible means,” Igboayaka stated.

 

The allegations, though unverified, underscore growing tensions and deepening cracks within Nigeria’s opposition ranks as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.