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Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress coalition is structured to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Tambuwal also defended the recent exits of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the party, insisting their decisions were personal and not evidence of a crisis within the ADC. 
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tambuwal said speculation that the ADC had already been designed for Atiku’s emergence was unfounded. According to him, neither Obi nor Kwankwaso publicly accused the party of bias before leaving for the Nigerian Democratic Congress. He argued that the leadership structure under former Senate President David Mark guarantees fairness and internal democracy within the coalition. 
Tambuwal further pointed to stakeholder participation within the ADC as proof that no single individual controls the party. He noted that Peter Obi was allowed to nominate the party’s National Organising Secretary, describing the office as the “engine room” of the party. “Tell me who is there clearly manning the party for Atiku,” Tambuwal asked while rejecting allegations that the coalition was an Atiku political project. 
The comments come amid growing political tension and defections within the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside several lawmakers, recently dumped the ADC for the NDC, fueling claims of internal disagreements and complaints that the coalition had become tilted toward Atiku’s presidential ambition. Some politicians and commentators had earlier alleged that Atiku resisted pressure to step aside for southern aspirants seeking the party’s ticket. 
Tambuwal also defended the integrity of ADC National Chairman David Mark, insisting that those leaving the coalition could not question his credibility or neutrality. He maintained that the coalition remains united despite recent defections and said politicians joining other platforms were simply attempting to test their popularity with Nigerian voters ahead of the general election. 
