The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to growing rumours that he may join forces with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 general elections as a vice-presidential candidate.
Speaking at a public function in Kubwa, Abuja, where he made donations to a school and hospital project run by the Anglican Church, Obi addressed the reports without confirming or denying them.
“You can make of the report what you want, but I’m in a coalition against bad governance, hunger, and poverty,” Obi stated, alluding to the speculation.
This comes amid widespread media reports that Atiku recently offered Obi a vice-presidential slot on a proposed one-term ticket during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year. Atiku reportedly assured that he would serve only one term if elected, after which power would be handed over to Obi.
Sources told the PUNCH that Obi asked for time to consult his loyalists before giving a final answer. Another insider hinted that both men had reached a mutual understanding and were considering signing a written agreement to seal the deal.
The potential alliance recalls their 2019 joint ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). With internal struggles rocking both the PDP and Labour Party (LP), sources suggest they are exploring the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an alternative platform.
One source revealed, “They are tilting towards the ADC. Some loyalists have even started holding meetings with the party’s leadership.”
While Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, did not confirm the VP deal, he acknowledged that coalition talks were ongoing. “I can’t speak on any agreement, but they are working on a strong coalition to unseat the APC in 2027,” he said.
Peter Ahmeh, a close ally of Obi and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, declined to comment on the alleged deal. However, he emphasized the need for unity within the LP and strategic planning to prevent the ruling party from gaining more control.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, political realignments and coalition-building appear to be gaining momentum, with opposition leaders seeking stronger platforms to challenge the ruling APC’s dominance.
