Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged supporters in the opposition to stop insulting former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Atiku said attacks against Obi and himself harm opposition unity and do not serve the interests of Nigerians.
Rising exchanges among supporters of opposition figures have emerged after key defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The coalition has become a focal point in opposition politics as the 2027 general election approaches. Obi joined the ADC in December 2025 after leaving the Labour Party, and Atiku had also joined the party earlier to support coalition efforts.
Atiku made his remarks on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in a post on X (previously Twitter). He said verbal attacks among opposition supporters undermine unity and benefit political rivals.
Atiku said, “Anyone who insults Obi or Atiku does not mean well for the leaders, the Coalition ADC and for Nigeria and Nigerians.”
He added that internal divisions among opposition forces help the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he described as the main beneficiary of infighting within the opposition.
Atiku stressed that cooperation among opposition leaders and supporters is critical for advancing democratic progress and national development. He said infighting weakens efforts to present a united front against the ruling party.
Observers have noted that political coalition efforts involving major opposition figures aim to offer an alternative to the current administration ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC’s momentum has grown after high profile defections, but unity among supporters remains a challenge.
Opposition parties in Nigeria have grappled with internal dynamics and leadership decisions. In recent months, there have been public debates and commentary on how best to unify opposition platforms to strengthen their position in national politics.
Atiku’s appeal follows discussions among some political commentators about possible strategies for cooperation between opposition figures in future elections. Some analysts consider unity essential for presenting a strong challenge to the ruling party.
The call for restraint and unity among opposition supporters highlights broader concerns about political cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election. Internal disagreements risk weakening collective efforts to address national issues such as economic growth, security and governance.
Atiku’s statement may renew focus on coalition building and encourage dialogue among opposition camps. Political stakeholders may seek to reaffirm shared goals and reduce public hostility among supporters to strengthen cooperation moving forward.
