Activist Aisha Yesufu has weighed in on the internal power tussle rocking the newly-formed ADC coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that only the Nigerian people, not politicians must decide who flies the coalition’s presidential flag.
Aisha Yesufu popularly known for her leading role in the Obidient movement spoke amid rising tension within the opposition alliance formed to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The coalition, which includes heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is already cracking under the weight of competing ambitions, reports Gwg.com.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Yesufu wrote:
“The people must be the decider of who becomes the coalition candidate and not the politicians!”
Already, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has declared his ambition to run under the ADC banner. During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Amaechi said he would only serve one term if elected, adding that it was time for power to return to the South. He also accused the Tinubu-led administration of plunging Nigerians deeper into suffering.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has rejected any arrangement that would see Obi play second fiddle again. Appearing on Arise TV, Datti said Obi, having secured over 10 million votes in the last presidential race, deserves to lead the coalition.
Although Obi has yet to officially resign from the Labour Party, his active involvement in ADC coalition meetings and strategy sessions has fueled speculation that he may eventually jump ship.
On the other hand, Atiku Abubakar hasn’t made an official declaration, but his recent public statements leave little doubt about his intentions. Speaking in Hausa, the former Vice President said:
“I swear to God, if elected, whoever engages in corruption will be punished. We will declare war against them.”
As the power struggle intensifies, questions remain about whether the coalition can stay united long enough to mount a serious challenge in 2027.
