Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that verbal attacks directed at former presidential candidate Peter Obi are damaging to opposition unity and ultimately harmful to Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
Atiku issued the warning in a post on X on Tuesday, reacting to growing tensions and exchanges among supporters of key opposition figures.
He stressed that personal attacks within the opposition weaken collective efforts and distract from the broader objective of offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.
“Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the Coalition ADC and for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the former vice president said.
He argued that such divisions only serve the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress, which he described as the primary beneficiary of opposition infighting. According to Atiku, internal disputes make it easier for the ruling party to retain power and avoid accountability.
“The only persons who benefit from such a civil war are the APC urban bandits who want to maintain the satanic status quo,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president underscored the importance of unity among opposition leaders and their supporters, noting that cooperation and discipline remain essential for building a strong political movement capable of driving national development and democratic reform. He maintained that disagreements should be handled constructively rather than through public attacks that deepen mistrust.
Atiku’s comments followed accusations from some quarters that his supporters had been unfairly targeting Obi, raising concerns about widening cracks within the emerging opposition alliance. Observers have warned that unresolved tensions could undermine the fragile coalition at a time when it is gaining national attention.
The opposition coalition, operating under the African Democratic Congress platform, has gathered momentum in recent months following a wave of high-profile defections aimed at mounting a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Supporters of the alliance have framed it as a necessary response to Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and governance concerns.
Peter Obi officially joined the ADC in December 2025 after leaving the Labour Party, explaining that the move was driven by the need for a stronger and more united opposition platform. He cited economic hardship and governance failures as reasons for seeking broader collaboration across opposition forces.
Atiku himself defected to the ADC a month earlier, describing his decision as part of a mission to “rescue Nigeria.” His latest intervention appears aimed at calming tensions and reinforcing the message that opposition success depends on unity rather than rivalry.
What you should know
Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are two of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures and both contested the 2023 presidential election on different platforms.
The African Democratic Congress has recently emerged as a rallying point for opposition politicians seeking to challenge the dominance of the APC ahead of future elections.
Political analysts note that opposition coalitions in Nigeria have often struggled with internal divisions, which historically weaken their electoral chances. Calls for unity are therefore seen as critical as the 2027 general elections approach.
