Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on supporters of opposition leaders, particularly those backing Peter Obi, to refrain from trading insults, warning that such behavior only strengthens the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 20, 2026, Atiku emphasized that anyone who insults either himself or Obi is not serving the interests of the coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), or Nigeria. He described the disunity within the opposition as a “civil war” that ultimately benefits the APC, which he labeled as “urban bandits” working to maintain a “satanic status quo.”
Atiku’s statement came in response to a post by Novie Everest, who accused Atiku’s supporters of insulting Obi while expecting the former vice president to be shielded from criticism. Everest claimed that Atiku’s supporters felt he deserved respect, while Obi was not entitled to the same.
In his reply, Atiku stressed the need for unity among opposition supporters, asserting that only the APC benefits from such divisions. “We are stronger together,” Atiku urged.
Atiku and Obi are part of the ADC, a coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Tensions have surfaced within the ADC over the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, with both Atiku and Obi’s supporters clashing over the leadership roles. Some of Obi’s supporters have even threatened to withdraw their backing if Obi agrees to run as a vice-presidential candidate.
