By Dansu Peter In what appears to be a strategic political masterstroke ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku A...
By Dansu Peter
According to report by Punch Online, multiple sources confirmed that the proposed alliance was first broached during a meeting between Atiku and Obi earlier this year in the United Kingdom. The initiative, insiders say, is part of a broader coalition designed to present a united front strong enough to challenge and potentially unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“Atiku proposed a single four-year term, after which he would hand over to Obi. The idea is to bridge the gap between the old guard and the emerging generation,” one insider familiar with the discussions disclosed. “Peter Obi has accepted in principle, but he’s currently engaging his inner circle to secure their support before any official announcement is made.”
This potential political reunion marks a significant turn in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Obi had previously run as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a race they lost to then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The talks between the two leaders are part of a wider opposition realignment that has seen key figures like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai join the push for a broad coalition aimed at defeating the ruling APC in the next election cycle. On March 20, Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and others formally announced plans to collaborate, igniting nationwide speculation and analysis.
However, nearly two months since that announcement, the opposition remains largely silent, weighed down by internal turmoil within both the PDP and Obi’s Labour Party (LP). Despite these challenges, sources suggest that the Atiku-Obi partnership is quietly solidifying.
“You can expect most parties to unveil their presidential candidates by May 2026,” a top party chieftain revealed. “That’s why there’s urgency behind this coalition. They know that only a unified front led by Atiku and Obi stands a realistic chance of defeating Tinubu.”
With PDP and LP grappling with internal crises, the coalition is also exploring alternative political platforms. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as the most likely vehicle should PDP and LP fail to resolve their respective leadership issues.
“The Social Democratic Party was initially considered, but there are concerns that the APC may have infiltrated it,” one source said. “Attention has now shifted to the ADC. In fact, several allies have already begun talks with ADC leaders, and some have quietly joined the party.”
When asked about the development, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, declined to confirm the specifics but acknowledged the ongoing coalition discussions.
“All I can tell you is that both His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are committed to building a formidable coalition capable of unseating the APC in 2027,” he said.
Peter Ahmeh, a close ally of Obi and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, also declined to confirm the single-term agreement but affirmed Obi’s commitment to resolving the LP crisis and defeating the APC.
“My position remains that for us to defeat the APC, we need to unite,” Ahmeh stated. “Peter Obi is still in the Labour Party and is working to get the party in shape for the battle ahead. He’s focused on ensuring that Tinubu does not dominate the South politically.”
Credit: Punch online
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