2027: Obidients Push Back as Atiku-Obi Coalition Plan Gains Steam

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 presidential election, political speculations have intensified following reports of an evolving alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The political landscape was stirred after Atiku confirmed in a BBC Hausa interview that coalition talks were ongoing, suggesting a possible merger aimed at unseating the current administration. His recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, accompanied by political heavyweights including Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, Gabriel Suswam, and Achike Udenwa, has further fueled speculation that the meeting went beyond a mere Sallah homage.

Insiders claim the group informed Buhari of their 2027 plans and sought his backing. The strategy allegedly involves reviving the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), once Buhari’s political vehicle, or using the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a fresh platform. Sources suggest this move is partly driven by discontent with both the PDP and LP, which are currently battling internal crises.

The plan reportedly centers on Atiku contesting for president with Obi as his running mate, with an agreement for Atiku to serve only one term and hand over to Obi in 2031. Proponents believe this alliance would combine Atiku’s influence in the North with Obi’s stronghold in the South-East to form a formidable opposition against President Tinubu and the ruling APC.

Observers also point to widespread dissatisfaction in the North with the Tinubu administration, which groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum have publicly criticized. Sources say the ACF is warming up to Atiku, promising him greater support in the upcoming elections.

Political analysts believe a joint Atiku-Obi ticket could attract broader voter support, especially among disillusioned youths and northerners disappointed by current governance. They cite Obi’s surprise victory over Tinubu in Lagos during the 2023 elections, which many believe can be repeated with greater momentum in 2027.

However, while the Atiku-Obi ticket appears strategically sound on paper, it faces significant resistance from within Obi’s core support base—the Obidient movement. Many in the group insist that any alliance where Obi plays second fiddle is a non-starter. They argue that since Atiku already had his chance in 2019 and 2023, it is time for the South, particularly Obi, to lead.

Prominent Obidients like Samuel Ajayi and Jonathan Ajere have argued that fielding another northern candidate in 2027 would be politically risky, especially when the South has yet to complete an expected eight-year term. They believe Obi remains the most inspiring and widely acceptable figure capable of defeating Tinubu, urging Atiku to step aside or accept a vice-presidential role.

Despite this resistance, strategists behind the coalition believe the numbers are on their side. Combining Atiku and Obi’s 2023 votes amounts to over 13 million—surpassing Tinubu’s total of 8.7 million votes. With voter dissatisfaction and internal APC turmoil, they believe a united front can tilt the scales in their favor.

Still, President Tinubu’s camp remains unfazed. Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala dismissed the coalition as a desperate move by politicians seeking relevance. He claimed their visit to Buhari was orchestrated for optics and lacked real substance.

As the 2027 elections approach, the viability of an Atiku-Obi alliance will depend on their ability to reconcile internal differences, choose a viable party platform, and present a unified front. If successful, the coalition could redefine Nigeria’s political future and mount a serious challenge to the APC’s hold on power.