Fresh political developments indicate that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, the position of vice president on a joint ticket in which Atiku would serve only a single four-year term.
Multiple sources familiar with the high-level discussions, who spoke to The PUNCH under anonymity, revealed that the proposal was first discussed during a private meeting between the two politicians earlier this year in the United Kingdom.
Atiku is said to have pledged to step aside in 2031, paving the way for Obi to run as presidential candidate, a move both sides reportedly agreed would be formalised through a signed agreement.
Although Obi has reportedly accepted the arrangement, he is currently engaged in consultations with his inner circle to secure their endorsement before making any formal declaration.
In 2019, Obi ran as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a campaign which ultimately lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The renewed alliance follows the formation of a political coalition on 20 March in Abuja, where Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others announced plans to jointly challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“The leaders have all agreed that it’s only a coalition between Atiku, Obi, and others that can wrest power from Tinubu,” said a party insider, who added, “they are crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s to finalise this.”
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According to sources, due to internal crises in both PDP and LP, the duo is now considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a possible political platform.
“The Social Democratic Party was part of the plans before now, but it seems the ruling APC has also infiltrated the party,” one source said, noting that loyalists have already begun holding meetings with the ADC leadership.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, would not confirm the arrangement, saying, “I cannot speak on the specific agreement they have reached… both of them are focused on building a viable coalition robust enough to unseat the clueless APC government in 2027.”
While Obi’s ally and CUPP secretary, Peter Ahmeh, declined comment, he maintained that “we must follow the rules of engagement so we don’t allow Tinubu to become the landlord in the southern part of Nigeria.”
Obidient Movement Coordinator Yunusa Tanko also denied any knowledge of such plans, insisting, “As far as I am concerned… there was nothing of this nature on the table.”
ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed ongoing discussions with major stakeholders, saying, “We are committed to building a mega African political party” and promised a formal announcement within the week.
However, Atiku’s 2027 ambition drew sharp criticism from PDP NEC member Diran Odeyemi, who remarked, “Atiku is not Abraham Lincoln. He should rest… his desperation is what has left the PDP where it is today.”
Meanwhile, elder statesman Anthony Sani of the Arewa Consultative Forum commented, “Such an arrangement would surprise no one… whether it gains traction is left to be seen, especially considering growing APC influence in the South-South.”
As Nigeria’s political landscape evolves, this potential Atiku-Obi ticket is already stirring national debate and reshaping expectations for the 2027 general election.
