NDC says Obi and Kwankwaso will proceed with their 2027 campaign without Atiku Abubakar, while calling for opposition unity
Also read: 2027: Osun ADC Urges Nigerians to Vote Out APC
Ibrahim Abdulkarim, Director-General of the NDC Presidential Campaign Council, made the position known during an interview on Arise News, urging Atiku and other opposition leaders to unite behind the party’s presidential ticket.
Abdulkarim argued that opposition collaboration did not have to take place under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the NDC could also serve as a platform for a broader alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nobody said the coalition must happen on ADC. It can happen in NDC,” he said.
He cited Kwankwaso’s reported decision to set aside his presidential ambition and support Obi as evidence that opposition politicians could put aside individual interests to rally behind a common candidate.
According to the campaign chief, Atiku’s participation would strengthen the alliance’s political reach.
However, he insisted that the NDC would not suspend its campaign while waiting for the former vice-president to make a decision.
“We will continue what we have started,” Abdulkarim declared.
Abdulkarim also dismissed questions about the composition of the NDC Presidential Campaign Council, insisting that the party should be distinguished from the Obidient movement and other support groups associated with Obi.
He claimed that more than 1,000 support groups were linked to the party, maintaining that disagreements over campaign structures would not derail its preparations for the 2027 elections.
On electoral credibility, the campaign council director-general said the NDC was developing measures to protect votes during the elections.
He also pledged that the party would conduct peaceful campaigns across the country and mobilise Nigerians who had lost confidence in the electoral process.
Addressing allegations concerning financial inducements in political appointments, Abdulkarim defended Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State.
He maintained that the NDC presidential candidate would prioritise competence and merit in selecting government officials if elected president.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, had earlier said opposition leaders were working towards a consensus arrangement.
Ibe also maintained that no presidential aspirant should be forced to withdraw from the race as part of efforts to achieve opposition unity.
Also read: 2027: Osun ADC Urges Nigerians to Vote Out APC
The competing positions highlight the ongoing discussions among opposition figures over how to organise a joint challenge ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
