South-West leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have rejected reports that they are opposed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s political ambition, insisting that he remains one of the party’s respected leaders.
The clarification was made by the immediate past South-West Zonal Chairman of the party, Rasak Eyiowuawi, following a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Eyiowuawi said reports suggesting that South-West ADC leaders had rejected Atiku and endorsed former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as their preferred presidential candidate were misleading.
He maintained that there was no disagreement between the regional party leaders and Atiku over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
“There is no rift with Atiku Abubakar. We are one family in South-West ADC. Atiku remains our leader and father. We have no fight with him over ticket,” he said.
The former zonal chairman also described claims of division within the party as attempts by mischief-makers to create confusion among its members and supporters.
He further listed Atiku, Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as respected figures within the party, saying their political interests should not be presented as a source of division.
“We are calling on all our supporters to disregard rumours of division in the ADC. Atiku is our leader, Peter Obi is our leader, Amaechi is our leader – we are all one. Our focus is to win 2027,” he added.
The statement comes amid reports of disagreements among some ADC figures in the South-West over Atiku’s political activities and the question of who should emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.
Eyiowuawi, however, insisted that the party’s attention should remain on strengthening its political structure and preparing for the next general election rather than internal disagreements.
He also described the ADC as capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
