Key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, are currently holding an expanded strategy meeting in Abuja. The discussions aim to build a broad coalition to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku confirmed his attendance on social media, stating, “H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event.”
Reports indicate Atiku offered Obi the vice-presidential position on a single-term ticket during a private meeting in the UK earlier this year. Under this arrangement, Atiku would serve one term before stepping down in favor of Obi.
Sources say Obi initially requested time to consult with his loyalists, but recent developments suggest he has accepted the offer, with both sides preparing a formal agreement.
This potential alliance revives the Atiku-Obi partnership seen in the 2019 elections under the PDP. With internal challenges within both the PDP and Labour Party, coalition leaders are considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a new platform. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was also considered but reportedly compromised by APC influence.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media aide, affirmed ongoing coalition talks, saying, “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are committed to building a broad-based alliance to unseat the clueless APC government in 2027.”
Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an Obi ally, declined to confirm the single-term deal but stressed the importance of a united opposition.
ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu acknowledged talks with opposition leaders but did not confirm any formal approach from Atiku or Obi.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party in a recent video, emphasizing the need for a strong opposition and criticizing the government’s role in causing party crises. He encouraged Nigerian youths to remain engaged and called for an age limit on politicians, revealing he would be 65 in 2027 and opposed to running into his 70s.
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