Atiku: Tinubu, APC 'shivering' over ADC's 2027 momentum

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, claimed on March 31 that President Bola Tinubu and the APC are "shivering" due to the African Democratic Congress's (ADC) growing momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking through his spokesperson Phrank Shuaibu, Atiku positioned himself as "the center of gravity in the unfolding 2027 political equation" and alleged a coordinated disinformation campaign to undermine ADC. He dismissed rumors of his political retirement as "outright falsehoods," urging supporters to ignore propaganda and stay focused on "rebuilding our nation."

This matters because it reveals early opposition consolidation against Tinubu's re-election bid. The timing is significant: former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso officially joined ADC on March 30, signaling potential alliances. Analyst Reuben Abati has predicted implications of Kwankwaso's move, while Peter Obi reportedly called for unity. Such rhetoric suggests ADC is being framed as a viable alternative, setting the stage for a contentious 2027 race.

However, these are claims from a political actor, not verified facts. The "disinformation" allegation itself is part of the political messaging. With elections over a year away, such statements often serve to shape narratives and test alliances.

How should voters assess these early maneuverings? Is ADC's momentum organic or elite-driven? What historical patterns in Nigerian politics suggest about such pre-election realignments?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/31/2027-why-tinubu-apc-shivering-over-adcs-momentum-atiku/