Convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Umar Ardo, has expressed confidence that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would secure victory in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary if he decides to run.
Speaking on Focus Nigeria, a programme aired on AIT, Ardo said his assessment was based on different possible scenarios ahead of the party’s primary election.
He noted that while the idea of a consensus candidate may come up, it would depend on key contenders like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi stepping down — a move he believes is unlikely.
“Consensus will only be feasible if major aspirants willingly relinquish their ambitions in favour of a single candidate, this could prove difficult given the political realities and the strong support bases of those involved,” he said.
Ardo added that achieving consensus would require all major contenders, including Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi, to step aside for another candidate.
He further pointed out that Obi’s supporters, known as “the Obidient Movement,” would strongly oppose any attempt to pressure him to withdraw, even though Obi himself might consider it under certain conditions.
According to him, while Atiku’s supporters may accept a consensus arrangement, the former Vice President is unlikely to back out of the race.
Ardo maintained that if all aspirants proceed to contest, Atiku stands a strong chance of emerging the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the mode of primary.
“If all of them go into the primaries, then Atiku will win, be it by delegates or direct primaries. Atiku will 100 percent win the primaries, even if they are conducted multiple times,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and growing speculation over alliances ahead of future elections.
The ADC is yet to announce an official timetable for its primary election as consultations among stakeholders continue.