Opposition leader warns that division aids the ruling party
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned supporters of opposition leaders against trading insults, warning that such attacks only benefit the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Atiku stated that anyone who insults Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, or himself, does not have the interests of the opposition coalition or Nigerians at heart. He described the ongoing verbal warfare between rival supporter bases as a “civil war” that serves to strengthen the “satanic status quo” of the current administration.
The former Vice President made these comments in response to a post by a social media user, Novie Everest, who accused Atiku‘s loyalists of attacking Obi while expecting their own leader to be shielded from criticism. Atiku rejected this divisive approach, emphasizing that the supporters of all opposition leaders are “stronger together.” He used the term “urban bandits” to describe the APC, claiming that the ruling party thrives on the fragmentation of the opposition.
The call for decorum comes at a critical time for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition-backed party that both Atiku and Obi joined in late 2025. Supporters of both politicians have repeatedly clashed online over who should ultimately lead the ticket for the 2027 general election. Some of Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, have even threatened to withdraw their support if the former Anambra State governor agrees to run as a vice-presidential candidate.
Coalition stability threatened by internal leadership tussle
Despite Atiku’s plea for unity, prominent voices within the political space have expressed skepticism about the durability of the ADC alliance. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed recently predicted that the party could “bleed” or face an implosion if Atiku secures the presidential ticket. He argued that many high-profile actors joined the coalition solely for their own presidential ambitions and might walk out if they are not “anointed” as the flagbearer.
Baba-Ahmed also suggested that Peter Obi’s political style—which he characterized as being accustomed to “anointment” rather than competitive primaries—might clash with Atiku’s preference for a national convention. This tension has trickled down to the grassroots, where social media influencers and political strategists are already taking sides. The ADC leadership is now tasked with managing these “clashing egos” to ensure the coalition remains a formidable alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
To further complicate matters, Atiku‘s own family has faced public scrutiny following the defection of his son, Abba, to the APC in mid-January 2026. While Atiku framed his son’s move as an expression of “democratic freedom,” critics have used the event to question his ability to unify his own household, let alone a diverse political coalition. These personal and professional distractions have made the call for a “ceasefire” among supporters even more urgent for the veteran politician.
Opposition seeks to build a “credible alternative” for 2027
The ADC was formed as a strategic merger of various opposition interests, including members of the PDP and the Labour Party, to challenge the APC’s dominance. Atiku‘s media adviser, Paul Ibe, has clarified that while the leaders are working together to build the party’s structure, they have not yet engaged in formal negotiations regarding the presidential ticket. He described such conversations as “putting the cart before the horse” and urged supporters to focus on party-building instead.
| Key Opposition Figures in ADC | Previous Party | Current Role in Coalition |
| Atiku Abubakar | PDP | Key Stakeholder / Potential Aspirant |
| Peter Obi | Labour Party | Key Stakeholder / Potential Aspirant |
| Rabiu Kwankwaso | NNPP | Allied Leader (Pending Formal Merger) |
As the 2027 election cycle draws closer, the ADC is attempting to present a unified front against what they describe as the “economic and social hardships” imposed by the current government. Atiku’s latest message is seen as an attempt to de-escalate the “toxic” social media environment that often alienates undecided voters. Whether the supporters will heed this advice remains to be seen, as the battle for the “soul” of the opposition continues to play out in the digital arena.
