Fresh developments from Nigeria’s political landscape suggest a potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as part of strategic moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions — who spoke under condition of anonymity — have revealed that Atiku has offered Obi the position of vice president under a single-term presidential ticket, should they run together. The proposal was allegedly first tabled during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year.
According to insiders involved in the ongoing coalition talks, Atiku has expressed willingness to serve only one four-year term, with the understanding that power would then be handed over to Obi in 2031. Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate during the 2019 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is said to be consulting his political base before formally accepting the arrangement.
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Momentum Builds for a Unified Opposition
The push for an opposition coalition gained public attention on March 20, when Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political actors gathered in Abuja to announce their intent to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
However, internal challenges within both the PDP and LP have slowed progress, leaving observers eager for concrete updates. Political analysts note that any successful coalition must overcome deep-seated divisions and competing ambitions among the opposition camps.
A PDP chieftain familiar with the negotiations confirmed that consultations are ongoing to finalize a working agreement between the two prominent opposition leaders.
“There’s a growing consensus that only a united front, particularly one led by Atiku and Obi, can defeat Tinubu. They are fine-tuning the structure, including a written pact if necessary,” the source said.
ADC Emerges as Potential Political Platform
Amid internal crises plaguing both PDP and LP, attention has reportedly shifted toward alternative platforms, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Sources disclosed that preliminary talks have been held between members of the Atiku-Obi coalition and ADC leadership.
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Although the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was initially considered, it appears to have lost favour due to alleged infiltration by APC interests.
“Some stakeholders have already joined ADC quietly. If the situation in PDP and LP remains unresolved, a formal switch to ADC is very likely,” a source added.
Official Responses Remain Vague
When contacted, Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku, declined to confirm details of any agreement between the two leaders but acknowledged ongoing coalition talks.
“What I can confirm is that Atiku and Obi are focused on building a credible coalition to offer Nigerians an alternative to the current APC government,” Ibe said.
Meanwhile, Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and a close ally of Obi, refrained from confirming the single-term arrangement but emphasized Obi’s commitment to internal reconciliation within the LP.
“We are aware of the hostile political environment, but we’re working to strengthen LP as the most viable platform,” Ahmeh stated.
He also referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling, suggesting that the current LP leadership lacks legal standing, an issue that continues to complicate the party’s internal stability.
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Obidient Movement: “No Confirmation Yet”
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, stated that no discussions of an Atiku-Obi ticket have been formally communicated to him.
“As far as I know, this matter hasn’t been discussed with me or presented officially,” Tanko said. “Peter Obi has not raised this with us in recent meetings.”
ADC Confirms Coalition Discussions
Speaking on the wider coalition efforts, Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the ADC, confirmed ongoing engagement with various political stakeholders, including former members of deregistered parties and some within the APC.
“The ADC is actively involved in building a mega political movement. Our goal is to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians,” Nwosu stated.
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He added that a major announcement is expected before the end of the week, signaling a new phase in Nigeria’s evolving political realignment.
“This is not just about Nigeria; it’s about Africa. We’re determined to restore democratic leadership that delivers real progress,” Nwosu said.
