Atiku Stepping Down And Endorsing Obi Will Not Work, Obi Lost His PU To APGA—Atiku's Aide Olarewaju

Demola Olarewaju, a senior media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has shared his views on the reported movement of Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and what it could mean for opposition politics ahead of future elections.

‎"Atiku stepping down and endorsing Obi or vice versa will not work: Obi lost his PU to Soludo/APGA despite endorsing a different candidate for Governor. 

If Atiku steps down today and endorses Obi, he may lose his PU in Adamawa for the first time ever in history; we need both men together on the ballot in a clear power-sharing arrangement that will produce a strong President and a strong VP, AA is no stranger to this kind of ‘strong VP’ arrangement from his time as VP from 99 to 2007," he wrote.

‎In his post, Olarewaju described Obi’s decision as a significant political development.

‎He explained that the move should not be seen as sudden or accidental.

‎According to him, it reflects long-standing political calculations and the desire to build a stronger alternative platform to challenge the ruling party.

‎He noted that the ADC was shaped by political events following the 2023 general election.

‎He argued that the combined votes of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in that election showed that a united opposition could defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‎He said this reality continues to influence current political alignments.

‎Olarewaju stated that the ADC now contains different political blocs, including those aligned with Atiku and Obi.

‎He added that these blocs bring experience, structure, and voter reach from different parts of the country.

‎He said the party could attract support from northern voters and institutional networks if properly managed.

‎He explained that internal negotiations would be necessary to balance interests within the ADC.

‎He pointed out that decisions around presidential tickets, running mates, and power sharing would be sensitive.

‎He said such discussions are normal in coalition politics and require compromise.

‎Olarewaju stressed that Peter Obi has a strong and passionate support base, especially in the South.

‎However, he noted that this support still needs a solid party structure to convert enthusiasm into nationwide electoral success.

‎He said Atiku, on the other hand, has deep organisational strength and political experience across many states.

‎He warned that presenting Obi and Atiku as rivals could weaken the opposition.