Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is unbothered by speculations that he might lose the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi described Atiku as a respected elder statesman and dismissed claims that the former vice president could take over the party’s ticket.

The rumours surfaced following reports that several of Atiku’s supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were defecting to join the ADC coalition. Atiku had recently said in a BBC Hausa interview that he would only step down if defeated in the ADC presidential primaries — a statement that stirred anxiety and renewed political debates about his 2027 plans.

Addressing the development, Obi urged supporters to remain calm, emphasizing that the coalition’s focus was on rescuing the nation, not political rivalry.

“Atiku is a dear elder brother and a leader I deeply respect. I’m not worried about losing the ADC presidential ticket to him. I remain a member of the Labour Party, which is part of the coalition working with the ADC ahead of 2027.

“This movement is not about competition; it’s about collaboration. More parties and individuals will join us. Every patriotic Nigerian must come together for the sake of the country,” Obi stated.