Atiku-Obi Reunion: “Nothing to Do with Politics or 2027 Joint Ticket” – Aides

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have dismissed speculations about forming a joint ticket for the 2027 elections. Rumors gained traction after photos of Atiku hosting Obi to a breakfast at his Adamawa residence went viral on social media.

Atiku shared a video of their meeting on his X account on Saturday, captioned, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.'” The video showed both leaders and other guests seated at a dining table.

The breakfast meeting followed recent remarks by PDP Deputy National Spokesman Ibrahim Abdullahi on Channels Television, suggesting that Atiku, Obi, and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso might unite to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. Despite such statements, both camps have downplayed any political significance tied to their interaction.

Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, clarified that the meeting was simply a friendly reunion. He explained that Obi was in Adamawa as a keynote speaker for the 20th anniversary and 16th Founder’s Day of the American University of Nigeria, founded by Atiku. “Politics cannot separate friends,” Ibe remarked, emphasizing that the breakfast was unrelated to electoral plans.

Similarly, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, dismissed suggestions of a joint ticket, describing such claims as speculative. “They just invited him to deliver a speech. It has nothing to do with politics,” Umar said, adding that it was typical for Nigerians to attach political undertones to interactions among prominent figures.

Both camps insist the meeting was purely social, with no ties to any future political alliance.