Obi May Run with Atiku Again Under Single-Term Agreement – Report

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi the vice-presidential slot in a proposed joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election, with a pledge to serve only a single four-year term. According to reliable sources close to the coalition negotiations, the proposal was first discussed during a private meeting between the two politicians earlier this year in the United Kingdom.

Insiders revealed that Atiku and Obi have reached an understanding on the alliance, with the former Labour Party presidential candidate said to have agreed to be Atiku’s running mate. However, Obi is reportedly consulting with his core loyalists before any formal announcement is made.

This development follows the March 20 announcement of a broad opposition coalition in Abuja involving Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others. The coalition was formed with the goal of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Despite the buzz the announcement generated, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) remain entangled in internal disputes, delaying further clarity on the coalition’s structure.

Sources say discussions have expanded to consider adopting a new political platform due to unresolved crises in both the PDP and LP. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a likely alternative, with some loyalists of the coalition already meeting with the ADC leadership and reportedly joining the party quietly. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was also considered but is believed to have been compromised by ruling party influence.

While Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed ongoing coalition talks between Atiku and Obi, he declined to comment on specific agreements. He emphasized that both leaders are committed to building a formidable alliance capable of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an Obi loyalist, refused to confirm the single-term deal but noted that Obi remains active in resolving issues within the Labour Party. He underlined the importance of unity and strategy in defeating the APC, asserting that Obi is still committed to the LP for now.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, denied knowledge of any Atiku-Obi ticket, stating that Obi has not discussed such a development with him. Meanwhile, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed ongoing coalition talks with major political stakeholders, including some from the APC, and said the ADC is preparing to announce new political developments shortly.

However, within the PDP, resistance to Atiku’s ambitions is growing. Diran Odeyemi, a member of the party’s National Executive Committee, dismissed Atiku’s chances of securing the party’s presidential ticket and criticized his pursuit of power as “desperate.” He argued that Atiku should step aside for newer political actors.

In contrast, Anthony Sani of the Arewa Consultative Forum said a renewed alliance between Atiku and Obi is unsurprising given their history, but questioned its potential effectiveness against the increasingly coordinated APC stronghold, especially in the Northwest and Southwest. He called it a reflection of democratic dynamism in Nigeria.