A viral Facebook post claimed that former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar withdrew from the campaign for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket in favor of Peter Obi.
BACKGROUND
The journey to Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of authority has begun. As the 2027 election approaches, various political events that could influence the outcome have occurred.
Atiku Abubakar, a fourth-time presidential contender, resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on July 14, 2025. Atiku, a founding member of the PDP, resigned citing irreconcilable differences and a departure from the party’s core beliefs.
On December 31, 2025, Peter Obi left the Labour Party (LP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a leadership crisis within the party. Both joined a national opposition coalition that used the ADC as its platform for the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, three politicians are vying for the African Democratic Congress’s presidential ticket: former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi.
VERIFICATION
When WITHIN NIGERIA investigated the claim that Atiku Abubakar had stepped down to allow Peter Obi to become the ADC’s presidential candidate, it was discovered that the claim was first made on April 1, 2026 by a Facebook page called ‘Adamawa First-son’.
According to the page, a caucus meeting was held in Jalingo at which Atiku agreed to step down in favor of Peter Obi, with Kwankwaso and Malami facilitating the deal.
Another Facebook user named ‘Chukwudi Christian’ also made the claim.
According to reliable sources, no caucus meeting took place in Jalingo.
Our team also discovered that Abubakar, Obi, Kwankwaso, Malami, and the ADC have not issued an official statement, as mandated in the wake up of such an event. As of yet, no reputable media outlet has reported it.
However, Abubakar has consistently rejected calls to step down. In a statement published in some newspapers in March, his media team denied similar allegations. The former vice president has not announced that he will step down in favor of Peter Obi.
VERDICT
The claim that Atiku Abubakar withdrew from the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, in favour of Peter Obi, is misleading, false and untrue because there is no evidence to back it up.
