2027: OYC Alleges Atiku, Ihedioha Secretly Aligning With Tinubu

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha , are covertly aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a bid to undermine opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group labelled both politicians as “moles,” warning that their alleged actions could jeopardize the prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming presidential contest.

Speaking at the event, OYC national president, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, claimed that the internal divisions that weakened the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 risk resurfacing within the ADC, attributing the situation to what he described as “selfish political maneuvers” by northern political elites.

Igboayaka accused Atiku of replicating what he termed a “dangerous political precedent,” citing the crisis that trailed the PDP’s 2023 presidential primaries.

He argued that Atiku’s alleged disregard for Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement between the North and South played a major role in destabilising the party.

According to him, after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari, power should have shifted to the South.

He further alleged that the PDP’s internal understanding was breached when both the party’s national chairman and presidential candidate emerged from the North.

In a surprising turn, Igboayaka defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, stating that his role in the PDP crisis was not intended to sabotage the party.

“Former Governor Nyesom Wike did not intentionally seek to destroy the PDP,” he said, maintaining that the root of the crisis lay in Atiku’s alleged refusal to allow a southern candidate emerge.

The OYC also expressed concern over what it described as a similar imbalance within the ADC, noting that both the party’s national chairman, David Mark, and Atiku—who is reportedly eyeing the party’s presidential ticket—hail from the North.

Igboayaka cautioned that such a configuration could spark internal resistance and inadvertently strengthen Tinubu’s chances in 2027.

“To demonstrate sincerity in stopping Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Atiku Abubakar should step down and support a southern candidate,” he declared.

The group further alleged the existence of a coordinated effort within the ADC to frustrate the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

It specifically accused actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo and Ihedioha of allegedly working behind the scenes to ensure Atiku secures the ADC ticket while weakening Obi’s chances.

According to the group, Ihedioha has already positioned loyalists within party structures in Imo State to erode Obi’s support base.

The OYC further claimed that Atiku’s continued interest in contesting the ADC presidential ticket is part of a broader strategy aimed at fragmenting opposition votes, thereby clearing the path for Tinubu’s re-election while preserving his own chances for a future bid in 2031.

“This is a deliberate political arrangement to aid Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election,” Igboayaka claimed.

The group also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Obi, urging him to exit the ADC without delay.

“We urge him to relinquish his membership from the African Democratic Congress within 72 hours and identify an alternative political party to ensure his candidacy in the 2027 presidential election by all feasible means,” the OYC president said.