₦airaland Forum

The chess pieces are moving. And Atiku Abubakar just made a move that tells us everything about his true intentions for 2027.

On Saturday, the former Vice President hosted a high stakes meeting at his Abuja residence with Yabagi Yusuf Sani, National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, along with senior party executives. The timing is not coincidental. It is calculated. It is desperate. And it exposes a pattern that has defined Atiku's political career for over a decade. If he cannot win, he will make sure his perceived enemies do not win either.

Obasanjo's Backroom Deal

To understand why Atiku was meeting with ADP leadership, you need to understand what has been happening behind closed doors. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been very busy. His closed door meeting with Ibrahim Babangida in Minna was no social visit. It was part of a broader strategy to engineer a political arrangement that sidelines his former deputy.

The plan is a Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket under the African Democratic Congress.

According to sources within the ADC and Kwankwasiyya Movement, Obasanjo did not just bless this alliance. He initiated it. A Kwankwasiyya leader confirmed that the former president is involved and in fact mooted the idea. Both Obi and Kwankwaso have reportedly set up a joint committee to actualise the ticket. Reports indicate Kwankwaso met Obasanjo in Abeokuta, where the former president advised him to accept the vice presidential slot behind Obi. Babangida gave similar advice.

The picture is clear. Obasanjo, who openly campaigned for Obi in 2023, is orchestrating a northern and southern alliance to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. And in this arrangement, there is no room for Atiku Abubakar.

Now We Know Why Obi Has Been So Confident

This arrangement explains something that has puzzled observers for months. Peter Obi's unshakeable confidence about 2027. While other politicians hedge and equivocate, Obi has been remarkably direct. At an Abuja rally he declared that he is contesting the election as number one. Not maybe. Not hopefully. Number one.

During an X Spaces discussion, Obi was emphatic. He said he is not travelling round the world to learn governance to be Vice President. He knows how to turn Nigeria around. He said Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. When Channels Television pressed him about becoming Atiku's running mate, he dismissed it completely. He said this is not in play and that nobody contesting to be President in 2027 is more qualified than him.

At the time, some dismissed this as political bravado. But now it makes perfect sense. Obi was not speaking from hope. He was speaking from knowledge. He knew Obasanjo was working to secure him the ADC ticket. He knew Kwankwaso was being persuaded to accept the number two position. His confidence was not arrogance. It was assurance. The deal was already being brokered.

Atiku's Desperate ADP Gambit

Now the ADP meeting makes sense. Atiku is not meeting with ADP leadership because he believes in their platform. He is there because the ADC, the coalition party he helped build, is being maneuvered away from him.

Yes, the ADP chairman insisted the meeting was not about a merger or recruiting any individual. But let us be serious. Former Vice Presidents do not hold Saturday meetings with party chairmen for philosophical discussions. This is Atiku looking for an alternative platform because the ADC is being handed to his rivals.

Consider the sequence. Obasanjo brokers an Obi and Kwankwaso alliance for the ADC. Atiku, who publicly declared he will not step aside for anyone, suddenly finds himself on the outside. His response is to court the ADP as backup. This is not confidence. It is hedging bets.

The Spoiler Pattern Since 2015

In 2015, Atiku was instrumental in bringing the APC to power. He contributed money and influence to help Buhari defeat Jonathan. But what was the real motivation? He had been denied the PDP ticket. He could not win within the PDP, so he helped destroy it from without.

When Buhari sidelined him, which is Atiku's own word, he returned to the PDP. This is a man who has moved between parties more times than most Nigerians have changed wardrobes. SDP to PDP to AC to APC back to PDP and now ADC. Each move driven by one calculation. What gives him the best chance to become president or remain relevant?

Now the same pattern emerges. Rather than support the Obi and Kwankwaso alliance, which represents the opposition's best chance of defeating Tinubu, Atiku is shopping for alternatives. If he secures the ADP ticket and runs in 2027, the effect will be vote splitting and opposition fragmentation. Another gift to the APC.

Is This About Winning or Stopping Obi?

Let us ask what observers are whispering. Does Atiku actually want to win, or does he want to ensure certain people do not win?

At 79, having run for president six times and lost every time, Atiku's chances are remote. Meanwhile, an Obi and Kwankwaso ticket would combine Obi's urban and southeastern strength with Kwankwaso's Kano machine. A genuinely competitive combination. So why is Atiku not rallying behind it? The uncomfortable answer is that he does not want Peter Obi to become president.

Some suggest this has an ethnic dimension. That the prospect of an Igbo man reaching Aso Rock is unacceptable to certain northern interests. Atiku's actions do nothing to dispel this interpretation. If he truly wanted opposition unity, he would strengthen the ADC coalition, not shop for alternatives.

The Bottom Line

The ADP meeting settles any questions about whether Atiku would support Obi if he wins the ADC ticket. He will not. His declaration that he will not step aside was not posturing. It was a declaration of intent. He is building a fallback position that will keep him on the ballot regardless of what happens in the ADC.

For those hoping for a genuine opposition challenge in 2027, this should be a wake up call. Atiku is not an ally. If he runs a parallel campaign, the opposition vote will be split again and the APC will benefit again.

Nigerians should ask themselves one question. Is this a man fighting to lead Nigeria to a better future, or is this a man fighting to ensure that if he cannot be president, certain others cannot be president either?

Judging by Saturday's meeting, the answer is clear. Atiku is not trying to win. He is trying to stop someone else from winning. And that makes him the most dangerous kind of spoiler. One who would rather see Nigeria suffer another four years of what he calls incompetent leadership than see a rival succeed where he has repeatedly failed.

His boy Gringory Obi cho cho cho, will still follow his master.

He has said it repeatedly that Abubakar Atiku is his leader.

You should have asked peter obi this question in 2023
Everybody has a right to contest under the law
Everyone knows if you remove peter obi from the equation the last time, Atiku will be C In C now

I may be wrong.

However, I doubt if Obi, Obasanjo, Babangida and Kwankwaso have the wherewithal to maneuver around/over Atiku. Obi and Kwankwaso doesn't have the resources to match Atiku. Neither Obasanjo and Babangida are as generous as Tinubu to commit their personal fortune to support Obi the way Tinubu did for Buhari.

Time will tell

Burob:
His boy Gringory Obi cho cho cho, will still follow his master.

He has said it repeatedly that Abubakar Atiku is his leader.

Snake oil merchants according to a NLer are it again.

CorperKola:
You should have asked peter obi this question in 2023
Everybody has a right to contest under the law
Everyone knows if you remove peter obi from the equation the last time, Atiku will be C In C now

Your post counters itself. Why did Atiku not sack buhari when Obi was not on the equation and also all the time he ran without Peter Obi?

You have to learn to shun any news without a credible source. It's the snake merchants sowing their evil seeds for disunity in the opposition camp.

Anywhere Peter Obi pitches his tent is where we will go. If he looses at the primary, whoever he supports has our votes.
The druggie who went to turkey to disgrace Nigeria must be sent packing.

This one na nonsense writeup. Data boys and criminal elements are very confused

How will Obi get the nomination of ADC when he doesn't even control Party Executive?

It's all rumours....it's Atiku's to lose the ADC Party ticket.

Obidients una well done with fake news

Food is ready for laptop guys, no work no pay .

If you understand.

The Yoruba president will pay anything to separate the coalition so that rigging will be possible. The SE are already in Coalition with north try and live with it.We have nothing to benefit from SW region

BeardedMeat:
Your post counters itself. Why did Atiku not sack buhari when Obi was not on the equation and also all the time he ran without Peter Obi?

You have to learn to shun any news without a credible source. It's the snake merchants sowing their evil seeds for disunity in the opposition camp.

Anywhere Peter Obi pitches his tent is where we will go. If he looses at the primary, whoever he supports has our votes.
The druggie who went to turkey to disgrace Nigeria must be sent packing.

How does that even concern us now
He can only be vice in 2027
He has to be smart enough to know that
Kwankwanso is too lightwieght

Obi should channel his energy towards starting a business. He would be more assured of profits than this waste of an investment he is trying to venture into. All politicians are the same, I don't really send them

@avalancheMedia

Put the newspaper link and pol.itics mo.ds will help push to front page

https://guardian.ng/politics/2027-atiku-holds-talks-with-adp-leaders-amid-obi-kwankwaso-alliance-rumour/

This is wishful thinking, there is not a hope in hell that Atiku will let anyone get that ticket for a party he has effectively build up to give him the ticket.

Good luck sha

Somebody's brain is running riot here.

Atiku should take rest, perhaps he sees himself as Buhari. But Nigeria’s political dynamics have shifted; it is now the South’s turn.

Obj is too inconsequential in ADC to help obi

Politics is about power, and negotiations

The delegates are voting too based on their own interest in getting positions and all

It's not a third party that will do that, na the presidental aspirant go talk am

That's why obi is seen as a weakling, you wan claim saint, yet you wan play dirty game

Was he not negotiating openly with wike that failed, why looking for obj to play ball for you

The agulu fraud should make sure he participates in the primaries. Hero beer courage will not cut it.

Who write this kind thing?

The Koko be say a mod move this to the front page? Na wa o!

Fake news from the fake people

How they are not consciously aware about how their narrations are now casted is what i don't und

Okoroawusa:
Who write this kind thing?

The Koko be say a mod move this to the front page? Na wa o!

Can it pass the Obidients. That's how they have been blackmailing everyone

Atiku should leave the party he organized for Peter Obi. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if some of those people are still thinking like normal human being

Would any one with function brain swallow this?

CorperKola:
How does that even concern us now
He can only be vice in 2027
He has to be smart enough to know that
Kwankwanso is too lightwieght

It doesn't concern but you were running your mouth vruuuuuuuuu like Yamaha generator.

Cyberterror:
The agulu fraud should make sure he participates in the primaries. Hero beer courage will not cut it.

Was it Hero beer that Tinubu drank in turkey that made him loose guard? No I think it's something stronger which is his favorite high.

Burob:
His boy Gringory Obi cho cho cho, will still follow his master.

He has said it repeatedly that Abubakar Atiku is his leader.

Hellanoise, get a life.

Truthissupreme:
Obj is too inconsequential in ADC to help obi

Politics is about power, and negotiations

The delegates are voting too based on their own interest in getting positions and all

It's not a third party that will do that, na the presidental aspirant go talk am

That's why obi is seen as a weakling, you wan claim saint, yet you wan play dirty game

Was he not negotiating openly with wike that failed, why looking for obj to play ball for you

This one must take the prize for the emptiest post on NL this year.

BeardedMeat:
It doesn't concern but you were running your mouth vruuuuuuuuu like Yamaha generator.

Atiku and buhari you brought in doesnt concern me now
Thats what i am saying o
Comprehension hard for you
Focus on the present reality and exigencies

CorperKola:
Atiku and buhari you brought in doesnt concern me now
Thats what i am saying o
Comprehension hard for you
Focus on the present reality and exigencies

Whoever can comprehend a badly written texts.

avalancheMedia:
The chess pieces are moving. And Atiku Abubakar just made a move that tells us everything about his true intentions for 2027.

On Saturday, the former Vice President hosted a high stakes meeting at his Abuja residence with Yabagi Yusuf Sani, National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, along with senior party executives. The timing is not coincidental. It is calculated. It is desperate. And it exposes a pattern that has defined Atiku's political career for over a decade. If he cannot win, he will make sure his perceived enemies do not win either.

Obasanjo's Backroom Deal

To understand why Atiku was meeting with ADP leadership, you need to understand what has been happening behind closed doors. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been very busy. His closed door meeting with Ibrahim Babangida in Minna was no social visit. It was part of a broader strategy to engineer a political arrangement that sidelines his former deputy.

The plan is a Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket under the African Democratic Congress.

According to sources within the ADC and Kwankwasiyya Movement, Obasanjo did not just bless this alliance. He initiated it. A Kwankwasiyya leader confirmed that the former president is involved and in fact mooted the idea. Both Obi and Kwankwaso have reportedly set up a joint committee to actualise the ticket. Reports indicate Kwankwaso met Obasanjo in Abeokuta, where the former president advised him to accept the vice presidential slot behind Obi. Babangida gave similar advice.

The picture is clear. Obasanjo, who openly campaigned for Obi in 2023, is orchestrating a northern and southern alliance to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. And in this arrangement, there is no room for Atiku Abubakar.

Now We Know Why Obi Has Been So Confident

This arrangement explains something that has puzzled observers for months. Peter Obi's unshakeable confidence about 2027. While other politicians hedge and equivocate, Obi has been remarkably direct. At an Abuja rally he declared that he is contesting the election as number one. Not maybe. Not hopefully. Number one.

During an X Spaces discussion, Obi was emphatic. He said he is not travelling round the world to learn governance to be Vice President. He knows how to turn Nigeria around. He said Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. When Channels Television pressed him about becoming Atiku's running mate, he dismissed it completely. He said this is not in play and that nobody contesting to be President in 2027 is more qualified than him.

At the time, some dismissed this as political bravado. But now it makes perfect sense. Obi was not speaking from hope. He was speaking from knowledge. He knew Obasanjo was working to secure him the ADC ticket. He knew Kwankwaso was being persuaded to accept the number two position. His confidence was not arrogance. It was assurance. The deal was already being brokered.

Atiku's Desperate ADP Gambit

Now the ADP meeting makes sense. Atiku is not meeting with ADP leadership because he believes in their platform. He is there because the ADC, the coalition party he helped build, is being maneuvered away from him.

Yes, the ADP chairman insisted the meeting was not about a merger or recruiting any individual. But let us be serious. Former Vice Presidents do not hold Saturday meetings with party chairmen for philosophical discussions. This is Atiku looking for an alternative platform because the ADC is being handed to his rivals.

Consider the sequence. Obasanjo brokers an Obi and Kwankwaso alliance for the ADC. Atiku, who publicly declared he will not step aside for anyone, suddenly finds himself on the outside. His response is to court the ADP as backup. This is not confidence. It is hedging bets.

The Spoiler Pattern Since 2015

In 2015, Atiku was instrumental in bringing the APC to power. He contributed money and influence to help Buhari defeat Jonathan. But what was the real motivation? He had been denied the PDP ticket. He could not win within the PDP, so he helped destroy it from without.

When Buhari sidelined him, which is Atiku's own word, he returned to the PDP. This is a man who has moved between parties more times than most Nigerians have changed wardrobes. SDP to PDP to AC to APC back to PDP and now ADC. Each move driven by one calculation. What gives him the best chance to become president or remain relevant?

Now the same pattern emerges. Rather than support the Obi and Kwankwaso alliance, which represents the opposition's best chance of defeating Tinubu, Atiku is shopping for alternatives. If he secures the ADP ticket and runs in 2027, the effect will be vote splitting and opposition fragmentation. Another gift to the APC.

Is This About Winning or Stopping Obi?

Let us ask what observers are whispering. Does Atiku actually want to win, or does he want to ensure certain people do not win?

At 79, having run for president six times and lost every time, Atiku's chances are remote. Meanwhile, an Obi and Kwankwaso ticket would combine Obi's urban and southeastern strength with Kwankwaso's Kano machine. A genuinely competitive combination. So why is Atiku not rallying behind it? The uncomfortable answer is that he does not want Peter Obi to become president.

Some suggest this has an ethnic dimension. That the prospect of an Igbo man reaching Aso Rock is unacceptable to certain northern interests. Atiku's actions do nothing to dispel this interpretation. If he truly wanted opposition unity, he would strengthen the ADC coalition, not shop for alternatives.

The Bottom Line

The ADP meeting settles any questions about whether Atiku would support Obi if he wins the ADC ticket. He will not. His declaration that he will not step aside was not posturing. It was a declaration of intent. He is building a fallback position that will keep him on the ballot regardless of what happens in the ADC.

For those hoping for a genuine opposition challenge in 2027, this should be a wake up call. Atiku is not an ally. If he runs a parallel campaign, the opposition vote will be split again and the APC will benefit again.

Nigerians should ask themselves one question. Is this a man fighting to lead Nigeria to a better future, or is this a man fighting to ensure that if he cannot be president, certain others cannot be president either?

Judging by Saturday's meeting, the answer is clear. Atiku is not trying to win. He is trying to stop someone else from winning. And that makes him the most dangerous kind of spoiler. One who would rather see Nigeria suffer another four years of what he calls incompetent leadership than see a rival succeed where he has repeatedly failed.

Your love and preference for Obi is so much that you can't stand Atiku, if he ever chooses to contest the next election against Obi and Tinubu.

You sound like the scared one. Why are you bothered that Atiku is looking out for another political party to fall back on to realize his dream to become Nigeria's president? After all, he has a right to contest the election under any political party legally I'm accordance with INEC statutes and party constition.

Come on, stop being pessimistic and afraid.

BeardedMeat:
Your post counters itself. Why did Atiku not sack buhari when Obi was not on the equation and also all the time he ran without Peter Obi?

You have to learn to shun any news without a credible source. It's the snake merchants sowing their evil seeds for disunity in the opposition camp.

Anywhere Peter Obi pitches his tent is where we will go. If he looses at the primary, whoever he supports has our votes.
The druggie who went to turkey to disgrace Nigeria must be sent packing.

Now, repeat what you said, but this time without the tears.

BeardedMeat:
Whoever can comprehend a badly written texts.

Lol
Nice excuse to give yourself

Burob:
His boy Gringory Obi cho cho cho, will still follow his master.

He has said it repeatedly that Abubakar Atiku is his leader.

What of tinibu that told Nigerians, that he will continue from where buhari (his master) stopped?

Don't forget this in a hurry