2027: Step Aside, Back Peter Obi to Remove Tinubu – NDC Charges Atiku

The political battle ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has intensified, with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) calling on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the presidential race and support Peter Obi.

The call was made by Theo Abu Agada, the NDC’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, in a post on X. Agada argued that Atiku putting aside his presidential ambition could help opposition parties consolidate their strength against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

NDC: Atiku Should Put Opposition Ahead of Ambition

Agada acknowledged Atiku’s political experience and described his vision for Nigeria as strong. However, he argued that the former vice president should consider stepping aside in the wider interest of the opposition.

According to Agada, Atiku's withdrawal would not damage his political legacy. Instead, he suggested that supporting Obi could give the opposition a stronger chance of defeating the APC in 2027.

The NDC official's argument is essentially that opposition votes should not be divided among multiple presidential candidates if the objective is to defeat Tinubu.

Why Peter Obi?

Peter Obi has emerged as one of the major opposition figures ahead of the 2027 election. The NDC is presenting him as the candidate around whom opposition forces could potentially unite.

The appeal to Atiku comes amid broader discussions about producing a single opposition candidate capable of challenging Tinubu. Recent consultations among opposition groups have also focused on cooperation and reducing the fragmentation that could weaken their chances at the polls.

Agada therefore wants Atiku to use his political influence to strengthen Obi's candidacy rather than pursue another presidential bid.

Atiku's Political Ambition

Atiku has remained one of Nigeria's most prominent opposition politicians and has previously contested the presidency multiple times. His decision to participate in the 2027 race has consequently become an important issue in discussions about opposition unity.

The NDC's latest intervention highlights the difficult calculation facing opposition leaders: whether to maintain individual political ambitions or accept a compromise candidate in an attempt to maximize the opposition's chances.

For Atiku, stepping aside would represent a significant political decision, particularly given his long-standing ambition to become Nigeria's president.

Could Opposition Unity Change the 2027 Election?

The central question is whether opposition parties can agree on a candidate capable of attracting support across Nigeria's major political blocs.

The fragmentation of opposition votes could potentially benefit the incumbent, while a unified candidate could create a more direct contest between the opposition and the APC.

However, agreeing on who should lead such a coalition remains one of the biggest challenges. Atiku has considerable political experience and a nationwide network, while Obi retains substantial support among voters who backed him in the 2023 election.

That makes the question of who should step aside particularly contentious.

The Bigger 2027 Battle

The NDC's appeal to Atiku is therefore more than a personal request. It reflects the growing debate over whether Nigeria's opposition can overcome individual ambitions and build a unified political platform ahead of 2027.

For now, the call remains that of an NDC official rather than evidence that Atiku has agreed to withdraw. The former vice president's eventual position—and whether opposition parties can settle on a consensus candidate—could become one of the defining political developments leading into the 2027 election.

As the 2027 race approaches, the battle may not only be between Tinubu and the opposition, but also within the opposition itself over who should carry the flag.