Atiku Unfazed by Obi-Kwankwaso Merger Talks

The media camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that a burgeoning alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso poses a threat to his 2027 presidential ambitions. Paul Ibe, Atiku’s long-time media adviser, characterized the former Vice President as “unfazed” and “quietly focused” on his own political trajectory within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ibe’s remarks come at a time of intense political realignment, as the ADC emerges as the primary platform for a grand opposition coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While the Obi-Kwankwaso talks have dominated headlines, Ibe insisted that Atiku views the entry of more “patriots” into the party as a positive development rather than a competitive obstacle.

“There is absolutely no threat; there cannot be any threat,” Ibe stated during a briefing on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He noted that the former Vice President recognizes the constitutional right of every political actor to chart their own journey. For Atiku, who formally joined the ADC in late 2025 after his high-profile exit from the PDP, the goal remains a “national rescue mission” that transcends individual rivalries.

The spokesperson emphasized that Atiku’s overriding concern is the “existential threat” currently facing Nigeria under the present administration. He argued that the more heavyweights who join the ADC platform, the stronger the opposition becomes. Ibe maintained that Atiku welcomes the prospect of a diverse field of aspirants, noting that “the more the merrier” should be the guiding principle for any party seeking to redeem the country.

Despite the rumors of a unified Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, Atiku has made it clear through his aides that he has no intention of stepping down for any other candidate at this stage. Having contested for the presidency multiple times, the former Vice President is positioning himself as a seasoned statesman with the requisite experience to navigate Nigeria’s complex challenges.

As the ADC prepares for its upcoming primaries, the party is quickly becoming a crowded house of presidential hopefuls, including Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai. Ibe concluded that Atiku’s focus remains on providing “competent and compassionate leadership,” and he will not be distracted by the “prospective alignments” of others within the same coalition.

The political atmosphere in early 2026 suggests that while the opposition is uniting under one roof, the battle for the driver’s seat is only just beginning. With Atiku’s camp projecting an air of calm confidence, the stage is set for a historic internal contest within the ADC to determine who will lead the charge in 2027.