Coalition: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi and Others Meet in Abuja

Key opposition leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and other political figures gathered in Abuja over the weekend for coalition talks aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was confirmed by Atiku on his social media platforms. He posted on Sunday, “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.”

Sources close to the talks revealed that the gathering is part of ongoing efforts to build a broad alliance capable of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election. A significant proposal discussed is an agreement for Atiku to run as president on a single-term basis, with Peter Obi as his vice-presidential running mate. This arrangement was reportedly first proposed during a private meeting between the two leaders in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

According to insiders, Obi initially sought time to consult his core supporters but has since shown willingness to accept the vice-presidential slot. Atiku is said to have pledged to hand over power to Obi after serving one term, signaling a possible handover plan within the coalition.

This development signals a potential revival of the Atiku-Obi alliance, which was first seen during the 2019 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With both the PDP and Labour Party (LP) currently facing internal challenges, coalition leaders are considering alternative political platforms, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after concerns that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) may have been compromised.

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed the coalition talks and emphasized the leaders’ commitment. “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are focused on building a broad alliance to defeat the APC government in 2027,” he said.

Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and a close Obi loyalist, declined to confirm the proposed single-term deal but stressed the importance of opposition unity. “No comment until I speak with my oga. But it is clear that only a united opposition can stop the APC,” he said.

ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu acknowledged ongoing discussions with opposition figures but did not confirm any formal agreement or approach from Atiku or Obi.

Despite the coalition talks, Peter Obi reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party in a recent viral video, stating, “I will continue to run in the Labour Party. I am a member of the Labour Party.” He criticized the government’s role in the crises affecting opposition parties, describing these challenges as deliberate attempts to weaken democracy.

Obi also called on Nigerian youths to remain engaged and participate in elections, emphasizing the need for accountability and warning that efforts for change will face resistance from entrenched political interests. Additionally, he expressed support for imposing an age limit on politicians, noting that he would be 65 in 2027 and does not intend to run beyond his 60s.