Atiku to Nominate VP Candidate for Jonathan — ADC Chieftain

Atiku to Nominate VP Candidate for Jonathan — ADC Chieftain

 

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has thrown Nigeria into a period of mourning while simultaneously triggering renewed political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

As tributes continue to pour in, political observers warn that the late president’s legacy is already being dragged into the ongoing power struggle, particularly between President Bola Tinubu and his rivals, who are jostling for control of Buhari’s northern support base.

 

According to The Punch, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, relying heavily on the advantages of incumbency and the party’s dominance across 23 state governorships, 70 Senate seats, and 220 members in the House of Representatives.

 

Meanwhile, the opposition remains divided. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is spearheading talks to rally disenchanted members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). However, the PDP itself is still grappling with internal crises, leaving its prospects uncertain.

 

Among potential challengers, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands out. The Adamawa-born politician, who has contested the presidency six times since 1993, secured nearly seven million votes and 12 states in the 2023 elections. His enduring northern base, financial muscle, and national name recognition remain key strengths.

 

But Atiku faces significant obstacles. By 2027, he will be 81 years old, fueling voter fatigue and renewed criticism of his refusal to step aside for younger politicians.

 

Analysts believe his chances hinge on picking a youthful southern running mate and building alliances with figures such as Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso. Without this, the opposition risks splitting the vote and paving the way for Tinubu’s easy re-election.

 

In a surprising twist, former President Goodluck Jonathan is also being courted as a consensus southern candidate. Both the PDP and ADC are reportedly exploring options to draft him into the race. Analysts say Jonathan’s appeal lies in his ability to serve only one term, a factor that could draw strong northern backing. His international stature, conciliatory image, and track record of conceding defeat in 2015 are also being touted as advantages that could unify a fractured opposition.

 

An ADC chieftain, who is a staunch supporter of Jonathan, told reporters on condition of anonymity that Jonathan remains the most credible option.

“He’s the best of all the opposition leaders today. He’s experienced and has demonstrated commitment to the unity and peace of the country by conceding defeat to Buhari in 2015. Of other aspirants, Jonathan has only a term to serve. That’s a sure bargain for the North. If he agrees to contest, we can persuade Atiku to nominate a vice presidential candidate. With that, victory is sure for the ADC.”

 

However, Jonathan’s potential comeback is mired in uncertainty. Legal experts remain divided on whether he is constitutionally eligible to contest, given that he completed the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s term before securing his own mandate in 2011.

 

As Nigeria looks toward 2027, the opposition’s ability to unite behind a single credible candidate may determine whether Tinubu secures a second term or faces an unexpected upset at the polls.