Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the growing tension among opposition leaders in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the 2027 presidential ticket will ultimately be resolved by party delegates.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Ibe explained that the leaders of the coalition-backed ADC had already agreed to make sacrifices before launching the alliance.
The coalition, spearheaded by Atiku, was recently unveiled with the goal of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
Soon after the launch, two prominent politicians Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi publicly declared their intention to run for president under the ADC platform.
Atiku, who has previously contested for president six times, is also believed to be interested in running again.
The declarations have stirred concerns over a possible internal conflict as each aspirant’s supporters push for their preferred candidate to secure the party’s nomination.
However, Ibe dismissed talk of division within the party.
He said it is not the leaders who are at odds but rather their supporters who are jostling for space.
He stated that the democratic process would determine the party’s flagbearer.
According to Ibe, the matter will be decided through primaries whether direct or indirect by the party’s delegates.
He added that the current competition among aspirants is part of how democracy works, and supporters should focus on campaigning instead of creating tension.
He also criticised the current administration under President Tinubu, accusing it of pushing Nigeria towards a one-party system.
Ibe added that democracy is about freedom of choice, and people should be allowed to make decisions without being forced in any direction.
