Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar is set to pick a running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Vice President is said to be reviewing different names as he plans his next move in the race.
Among those now being considered are former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha, Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, and former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Austin Akobundu.
Each name is being weighed based on political reach and regional strength.
Makinde has already picked the presidential ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement, raising questions over whether the Electoral Act would allow him to move to the ADC.
“Makinde is being considered in line with the Ibadan declaration, where all the opposition parties agreed to field a single presidential candidate,” an Atiku aide told New Telegraph.
Some ADC leaders said Obi’s alliance with Kwankwaso remained a major concern because of the uncertainty around how much influence the former Kano governor could command beyond Kano in 2027.
A top ADC chieftain said the possible entry of Jonathan into the race could also alter calculations.
The chieftain said, “No two cycles of elections are the same! That is why we are worried about the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket. In 2023, Kwankwaso’s influence was limited to Kano.
“But in 2027, you don’t know what the voters would do. We don’t know how far Kwankwaso can penetrate the North. Also, don’t forget Jonathan. If he enters the race, the equation would change completely.
“That is because his doing just four years is certain. That would cause another problem. But if he doesn’t run, then our main headache is Obi. Tinubu can’t get Northern votes like in 2023.”
