A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dominic Alancha, has cautioned that a joint political front between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi could undermine the ruling party’s dominance in the 2027 general elections.
Alancha, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, August 20, argued that the political climate may shift dramatically from what played out in 2023.
“In 2027, the dynamics may not be the same as what happened in 2023. If Peter Obi and Atiku can align, have a consensus amongst themselves and agree on a single ticket, I’m telling you it’s going to deplete our support base because, at the table, they already have over 13 to 14 million votes,” he said.
On July 2, 2025, Atiku, Obi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi, along with ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their coalition platform to take on President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
The coalition is banking on widespread public frustration with the government, particularly over soaring inflation and the high cost of living.
Together, Atiku and Obi secured more than 12 million votes in the last presidential election, surpassing Tinubu’s tally by over four million.
Alancha, who also heads the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), advised Tinubu to reconsider the Muslim-Muslim ticket, warning it could weaken the APC’s reach across the country.
“It is not too early in the day because preparation precedes manifestation. If you’re not preparing to succeed, then you must have been planning to fail,” he noted.
He cautioned that the ticket could become a rallying point for the opposition.
“If the Muslim-Muslim ticket is retained, it’s going to pose a threat and deplete our support base. The opposition coalition is not sleeping; they are working very seriously.
READ ALSO: Obi, Atiku Alliance Can’t Unseat Tinubu in 2027 — Keyamo
“If Obi and Atiku come together, we are talking almost 14 million votes against our eight million votes from the 2023 general elections,” he added.
The NENF has repeatedly urged Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive ticket, stressing that the 2023 formula alienated northern Christians and restricted the party’s national appeal.
Meanwhile, speculation is growing about a possible 2027 comeback by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Although Jonathan has not publicly declared interest, quiet moves within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have stirred rumours of his return, making him one of the most closely watched figures ahead of the polls.
Alancha warned that Jonathan’s return could complicate matters for the APC.
“Jonathan is around the corner. Nobody should wave aside that issue because it’s a serious one.
“There are certain persons within the North pushing for Jonathan, ‘bring back Jonathan to them’. In fact, they are forming a cult-like following around that agenda,” he revealed.
He argued that a ballot featuring Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi would make it difficult for the APC to retain the same 2023 structure.
“If Jonathan is on the ballot, and Atiku and Obi are also there, believe me, the Muslim-Muslim ticket is not going to fly. Let’s have a balance on that ticket,” he said.
Although some supporters see Jonathan’s possible comeback as a stabilising move, others dismiss it as ill-timed, given the PDP’s internal crises and recent spate of defections among its senior members.