Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has questioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s reported choice of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, arguing that Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi could have been more suitable alternatives.

Akande shared his views during an interview on Symfoni TV on Friday, October 23, 2026, while discussing the opposition’s preparations for the forthcoming election and the political calculations that could determine its chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the discussion, the former presidential aide suggested that the ADC might have adopted a different approach to its presidential ticket by considering other prominent political figures with established support bases.

“It would have been better if the ADC had picked Obi or Amaechi, but they put Atiku there,” Akande said.

His remarks have drawn attention to the debate over the opposition’s choice of presidential candidate and the strategy required to mount a strong challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Akande’s position reflects concerns about the potential impact of candidate selection on the opposition’s ability to unite different political interests, mobilise voters across the country and present a compelling alternative to the ruling party.

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State who represented the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s opposition movement.

His performance in the last election established him as a significant political force, particularly among voters seeking alternatives to the country’s traditional political parties.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former minister of transportation, is also an experienced politician whose name has featured in conversations about the opposition’s plans for the next presidential contest.

His background in governance and national politics makes him another figure whose potential role in the 2027 election has attracted attention.

Atiku Abubakar, meanwhile, remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition politicians.

The former vice president has contested the presidency on multiple occasions and continues to command a substantial political network built over several decades.

However, the choice between established political figures and candidates associated with alternative political movements presents a strategic challenge for opposition parties.

While experience, political connections and nationwide structures can influence electoral outcomes, a candidate’s public appeal, ability to attract undecided voters and capacity to build alliances are also important considerations.

For the ADC, the broader challenge is to develop a political platform capable of bringing together different opposition groups and supporters ahead of the 2027 general election.

Achieving such unity could require balancing the interests of established political leaders with the expectations of voters seeking a departure from familiar political arrangements.