Atiku’s 2027 ADC Bid Faces Early Crisis as Southern Heavyweights Reject VP Slot

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is already encountering early political strain as several influential Southern politicians reportedly decline interest in becoming his running mate.

Atiku recently clinched the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, securing 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary.

However, attention has quickly shifted to the challenge of balancing a North-South ticket, a key factor in Nigeria’s presidential politics, as efforts to secure a credible Southern vice-presidential partner appear to be facing resistance.

Political observers say Atiku’s chances in the 2027 race depend heavily on securing a strong Southern ally who can broaden his appeal across geopolitical zones. However, multiple sources indicate that some prominent Southern politicians are hesitant to accept such an offer.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who was previously speculated as a possible running mate, has reportedly aligned with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), where he has emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, effectively ruling himself out of the VP race.

Other Southern political figures from the South-South and South-East are also said to be cautious, with some allegedly preferring platforms they consider more strategically viable ahead of the 2027 elections, while others are focused on their own regional political calculations.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who also contested the ADC presidential primary, has rejected the outcome of the election and is not seen as a potential vice-presidential option within the current arrangement.

The emerging situation highlights growing fragmentation within the opposition political space, as realignments continue across parties ahead of the next general elections.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is now a leading figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he is widely regarded as a central opposition contender, further complicating coalition dynamics.

Analysts note that while North-South power balancing remains a critical requirement in Nigerian presidential elections, personal ambitions, party instability, and competing alliances are reshaping traditional political calculations ahead of 2027.

As of the time of filing this report, Atiku’s camp has yet to officially confirm any running mate or respond to the reported reluctance from Southern political actors.