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EXCLUSIVE: Atiku set to dump PDP for ADC, picks Obi as running mate

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Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi

 

Barring any last-minute change of plans, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is set to resign his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he intensifies preparations to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ekwutosblog gathered from multiple impeccable sources that Atiku, who has made several unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, has finalized plans to actualize his long-held ambition through the ADC.

As part of the new political alignment, Atiku’s camp has reportedly settled on former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as his running mate for the 2027 polls.

Sources familiar with the high-level negotiations disclosed to PlatinumPost that Obi has given his approval to join forces with Atiku after several months of behind-the-scenes talks.

Ekwutosblog  learnt that the breakthrough came following the intervention of a former Nigerian president, who played a pivotal role in convincing both camps to unite in the interest of national stability and strategic political advantage.

According to insiders, who told this Newspaper that the negotiations reached a turning point when Obi’s group, initially hesitant due to concerns about the political implications in the South-East and among his staunch supporters—the Obidient Movement—was assured of a robust plan to manage the anticipated backlash.

 

To mitigate discontent in the South-East and across parts of Southern Nigeria, key political figures, including the aforementioned ex-president and influential northern leaders, have agreed to set up a high-powered committee of prominent Igbo elders. This committee will work quietly but effectively to pacify stakeholders and garner support for the alliance.

To this end, the former President advised the parties involved to keep the deal close to their chest as consultations on how to calm fraying nerves are ongoing before the matter goes to public domain.

PlatinumPost further gathered that the power-sharing formula reportedly agreed upon includes a firm commitment from Atiku to serve only one term if elected, after which power would shift to the South-East with Obi receiving full backing from the North to succeed him. This arrangement is seen by many as a strategic step toward finally realizing an Igbo presidency in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Political analysts and stakeholders behind the alliance believe that only a united Atiku/Obi ticket can pose a formidable challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

“The North is ready to support Obi after Atiku,” one source said. “It’s a win-win arrangement that will heal the nation and restore balance in the political structure.”

The committee’s primary mandate is to communicate this promise of succession to the South-East electorate and ensure broad-based acceptance of the Atiku/Obi ticket.

Commenting on the state of political alliances ahead of 2027, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former presidential spokesperson for the Labour Party, recently stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today that no single candidate can defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without a broad coalition.

Though Okonkwo did not name who might lead such a coalition, the emerging Atiku-Obi alliance appears to fit the mold he described—a strategic merger aimed at ending Tinubu’s grip on power through a united opposition front.

Reacting to the report, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, said he was unaware of any plans by his principal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“These are just speculations. Is he supposed to join all the political parties? As of this morning, he remains in the PDP, and there’s nothing to suggest otherwise at the moment,” Ibe told PlatinumPost on Friday.

He added that the rumors were aimed at creating distractions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“These are the handiwork of certain individuals trying to cause distraction,” he said.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, interim national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, said the former Anambra State governor has not informed him of any plans to join the ADC or run as Atiku’s running mate in 2027.

“As far as I’m concerned, no such story has come to my desk. I’m not aware of it,” Tanko said.

“Although a lot of people are making calculation on how best to save the country , Peter Obi has not make such information known. So I count it as calculation of some individuals who are working on how best to save the country,” he added.

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE — Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE

— Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

— Says Right of Way Must Be Cleared to Protect Reconstructed Roads

The Imo State Government has begun a sweeping evacuation of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government verges across the state, reiterating that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government verge for private use.

This decisive action comes after investigations revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership. A prime example is the document currently circulating and attached herein, which was illegally issued and fraudulently backdated in favor of one Hon. Clinton Amadi, allegedly allocating a plot at Aladinma Garden Estate.

Government officials have confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge — which is public land reserved for utility easements and road buffer — cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance noted:

“The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for stormwater flow, leading to flooding and accelerated deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads.”

The statement emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. The public is hereby warned not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.

A Stern Warning to All Illegal Occupants:

All individuals or businesses currently occupying government verges are hereby directed to vacate such areas immediately. Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.

Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of state policy but an assault on public interest.

The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and development efforts.

Residents are urged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government verges to the Office of the SA on Monitoring and Compliance or the Imo State Ministry of Lands for immediate investigation.

Signed:
Office of the SA to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance
Government of Imo State,
Owerri, Nigeria.

05/07/2025

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As ADC Becomes Nigeria’s Sanctuary, Okoroma’s Leadership Soars – Success Opara

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in Imo State, with its State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, leading the charge. Success Opara, Local Government Chairman of ADC Owerri Municipal, has praised Okoroma’s leadership, describing the party as “Nigeria’s Sanctuary” – a viable platform to rescue the country and state from political and economic turbulence.

Under Okoroma’s guidance, ADC is experiencing unprecedented growth, with key stakeholders and political heavyweights joining the coalition. Opara commended Okoroma’s exceptional leadership style, calling him a detribalized Nigerian and an astute political manager with a global vision.

Opara highlighted Okoroma’s efforts in building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. “Prof. Okoroma is not one for ‘eating politics.’ He is building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. Imo ADC, under his watch, is alive, well, and stronger than ever,” Opara stated.

The party’s growing support base is evident in the recent defections, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and past Governor of Imo State. Rumors also circulate about potential defections from other prominent figures.

With Okoroma’s leadership, ADC is poised to make a significant impact in Imo State’s political landscape. As Success Opara noted, “Under the competent leadership of Prof. Okoroma, ADC remains safe, intact, and focused.”

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Akpabio: Atiku hails Natasha for challenging suspension

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for courageously challenging her suspension from the Senate, describing her action as a bold assertion of her rights and a victory for democracy.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Senator Natasha challenged her six-month suspension before the High Court, where Justice Binta Nyako delivered the judgment on Friday.

She ruled that the suspension was excessive and deprived the lawmaker’s constituents of their right to representation.

 

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, Atiku also commended Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja for what he called a courageous ruling that lifted what he termed the “obnoxious” suspension imposed on the senator representing Kogi Central.

“I also hail Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable. There’s no price that is too great in asserting one’s rights,” the former Vice President added.

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