Presidency, FG React to Atiku-Obi Possible Alliance

The Federal Government has dismissed the significance of the alliance reportedly forming between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi.

President Bola Tinubu remains unperturbed by these developments, with the Presidency stating that the President is not losing sleep over the potential coalition. Both Atiku and Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) respectively, have initiated discussions, sparking speculation of a merger for the 2027 elections.

Last week, Peter Obi met privately with Atiku Abubakar and other PDP leaders in Abuja. Separate meetings with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki further fueled merger rumors. Atiku indicated his willingness to support Obi if the PDP decided to field a South-Eastern candidate in 2027.

“I have consistently stated that if the PDP zones the presidential ticket to the South-East, I will support that decision. I contested the 2023 ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku said in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

He emphasized the possibility of a PDP-LP merger, asserting that party members will decide their course for the 2027 elections. Atiku’s meeting with Obi might signal a burgeoning alliance, but he stressed that such meetings are routine among opposition members and beneficial for democracy.

In response, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris assured that the Federal Government is not concerned about the alliance. He highlighted ongoing developmental projects under Tinubu’s administration as evidence of effective governance.

“The government is focused on delivering on President Tinubu’s mandate. Recent projects, like the inauguration of critical gas infrastructure in Imo and Delta states, demonstrate our commitment to progress,” Idris stated.

Senior presidential aide Bayo Onanuga dismissed Atiku and Obi’s efforts as those of “sore losers,” emphasizing Tinubu’s dedication to fulfilling his promises to Nigerians.

APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru welcomed the idea of a PDP-LP alliance for its potential to deepen democracy but expressed skepticism about its feasibility.

Political experts are divided on the potential impact of the Atiku-Obi alliance. Professor Hassan Salisu of the University of Ilorin noted that internal divisions within the PDP and LP might hinder their efforts. Meanwhile, Professor Yahaya Baba of Usman Dan Fodiyo University suggested that their cooperation could reshape the political landscape for the 2027 elections.

Jackson Omenazu, a political analyst, predicted that a PDP-LP alignment could pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC, emphasizing the need for a strong opposition in a healthy democracy.