Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday night convened a private meeting with prominent South-East political figures in Abuja, in what sources described as a calculated effort to strengthen support ahead of the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The session, which featured an Iftar dinner alongside political consultations, is seen as an early move by Atiku to position himself within the party amid internal alignments preceding the 2027 general elections.
Insiders said discussions focused on forging alliances, deepening collaboration and defining the South-East’s place in the ADC’s broader national strategy. National concerns, including unity, economic pressures and security challenges, were also reportedly addressed.
The meeting was hosted at the Abuja residence of Sir Chikwe Udensi, an ADC stalwart and security expert, and drew a broad spectrum of Igbo political stakeholders. Attendees included Senator Augustine Akobundu; Chief Chekwas Okorie; former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; Dr. Osita Oruche; Prof. Onyi Nwagbara; Chief Uchenna Okogbuo; former ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu; Hon. Uzoma Abonta; Hon. Uko Nkole; Etigwe Uwah (SAN); Dr. Steve Nwadiuko; Dr. Dave Eboh; Senator Frank Ibezim; and Chief Morris Eboh, among others.
Atiku was accompanied by close associates, including Dr. Kassim Ibrahim and Prof. Ahmadu Shehu, while some northern political figures were said to have joined the broader consultations.
Party sources described the engagement as pivotal in shaping the ADC’s internal trajectory ahead of its primaries. As of press time, Atiku had yet to issue a public statement on the outcome via his verified social media platforms.
Under the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties are required to conclude their primaries by May 30, 2026, with the presidential election slated for January 16, 2027.
Observers noted that the outreach echoes Atiku’s consultations with South-East leaders during the 2022 election cycle, though Tuesday’s gathering was deliberately low-profile and focused strictly on party matters.
