The Ohanaeze Youth Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha of working against the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the group’s National President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, alleged that both men were “moles” aiding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and could cost the party dearly.
He warned that the crisis which plagued the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023 might resurface within the African Democratic Congress ahead of its presidential primary.
Igboayaka said the PDP’s internal wrangling stemmed from what he described as a “born-to-rule mentality”, accusing Atiku of ignoring the zoning arrangement between the North and the South.
According to him, the refusal to allow a Southern candidate to emerge after eight years of northern presidency under Muhammadu Buhari triggered divisions within the party.
He added that the situation was worsened when the PDP retained both its national chairman and presidential candidate from the North, contrary to earlier agreements.
Drawing parallels, the OYC noted that the ADC currently has David Mark as national chairman, while Atiku is seeking its presidential ticket.
The group insisted that Atiku should step aside for a Southern candidate if he genuinely intends to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
Igboayaka further alleged that some political figures, including Kenneth Okonkwo and Ihedioha, were working to undermine the chances of Peter Obi within the ADC.
He claimed that Atiku’s ambition was a calculated move that could ultimately favour Tinubu’s re-election, while positioning himself for a future bid.
The OYC also alleged that in Imo State, Ihedioha had installed loyalists within the ADC structure to weaken Obi’s political prospects.
The group, therefore, urged Obi to resign from the ADC within 72 hours and seek an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 election.