Obi, Atiku, Amaechi And Jonathan In Early Battle For 2027 Tickets

Preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election have started long before the official campaign season, with four political heavyweights already making moves for party tickets.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan are all at the center of early positioning within the opposition.

Atiku is quietly working within the African Democratic Congress, where his loyalists are said to occupy key roles. This presence has fueled talk that he may secure the party’s ticket without a formal announcement. His approach has stirred reactions within the party’s coalition, especially from those aligned with Peter Obi.

Obi, who contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party, joined the ADC coalition in search of a stronger platform. However, tensions have grown after members of his movement accused party leaders of sidelining them in strategic decisions. The situation has deepened rivalry with Atiku’s camp, which holds more influence in the coalition.

Amaechi has openly declared his interest in the ADC ticket, arguing that his knowledge of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC gives him an advantage. His ambition, however, faces challenges from both Atiku and Obi, making the ADC ticket one of the most contested in the build-up to 2027.

In the Peoples Democratic Party, efforts are ongoing to convince Obi to return, with some party figures believing his candidacy could strengthen the opposition’s chances. Others are pushing for Jonathan, pointing to his eligibility for just one more term as a reason he could be a unifying choice.

Jonathan, who served from 2010 to 2015, remains an influential figure in PDP politics. Backed by loyal supporters, he is being presented as a strong challenger to Tinubu should he decide to run again.

Both the ADC and PDP are competing for the same pool of opposition supporters. The months ahead will reveal whether these contenders unite under one platform or split the opposition vote in a crowded 2027 race.