Atiku Hosts Peter Obi in Adamawa Amid Coalition Talks
There are strong indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered a vice-presidential slot to Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, as part of a proposed single-term power-sharing agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to multiple reliable sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the offer was tabled during a private meeting between both leaders held earlier this year in the United Kingdom.
Key Details of the Atiku-Obi Deal
- Atiku has reportedly pledged to serve only one term if elected President in 2027.
- Obi is expected to be his running mate under the proposed coalition arrangement.
- If successful, Atiku would hand over power to Obi after his single four-year term.
- Both parties are said to be preparing to sign a formal written agreement.
A high-ranking PDP source disclosed that Obi, while open to the deal, is currently consulting with his core loyalists before giving a final nod. In the meantime, internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) are complicating coalition logistics, forcing stakeholders to consider an alternative platform.
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African Democratic Congress (ADC) Emerges as Possible Coalition Vehicle
Given the unresolved internal disputes in both PDP and LP, talks have shifted toward the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the likely umbrella platform for the proposed Atiku-Obi coalition.
Why ADC?
- The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was initially in consideration, but alleged infiltration by APC operatives has raised concerns.
- Multiple insiders confirmed that both Atiku and Obi’s loyalists have been in discussions with ADC leadership.
- Some coalition operatives have already registered with ADC quietly.
Ralph Nwosu, ADC’s National Chairman, confirmed that his party has been holding consultations with various stakeholders, including those from the PDP, LP, and even elements within the APC.
“We are part of the move. We’ve held conversations with all major stakeholders. ADC is committed to building a mega party for Africa’s political future,” Nwosu stated.
Mixed Reactions From Political Camps
Obi’s Loyalists: Cautious Optimism
Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and a loyalist of Peter Obi, declined to comment on the VP offer. However, he confirmed that Obi remains committed to addressing the leadership crisis in the Labour Party.
“Obi is still in the LP and is committed to ensuring that we get APC out in 2027,” Ahmeh noted.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, also played down the reports.
“As far as I know, no such VP agreement exists. I met with him in Benin recently, and nothing of that nature was mentioned,” Tanko said.
PDP Stakeholders React
A member of PDP’s National Executive Committee, Diran Odeyemi, sharply criticised Atiku’s continued ambition.
“Atiku is not Abraham Lincoln. He has had his time. Offering Obi a VP slot without having the party’s mandate is presumptuous,” Odeyemi said.
Odeyemi argued that Atiku’s recurring bids for the presidency have fragmented the PDP and undermined internal democracy.
Arewa Forum Welcomes Reunion
Conversely, Anthony Sani, a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, welcomed the renewed alliance between Atiku and Obi.
“They were on the same ticket in 2019, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they align again. However, the political dynamics involving North-West and South-West alliances make 2027 unpredictable,” he observed.
Background: Atiku and Obi’s 2019 Alliance
Peter Obi was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the PDP. They lost to Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following that loss, Obi switched to the Labour Party in 2022 and contested the 2023 election, emerging as a major third-force candidate.
Their renewed alliance comes after the March 2024 announcement of a grand opposition coalition, involving Atiku, Obi, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Next Steps: Coalition Awaits Formal Declaration
- Obi is expected to finalise consultations with loyalists in the coming weeks.
- ADC leadership may announce major developments before the end of the week.
- Coalition leaders are working to resolve internal party conflicts, particularly within LP and PDP.
Observers say a formal declaration of the Atiku-Obi 2027 ticket may be months away, but background arrangements are rapidly progressing. A successful coalition could alter the political landscape and present a formidable challenge to the ruling APC.
What you should know
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, opposition politics is taking shape, with alliances, party mergers, and behind-the-scenes negotiations intensifying. The Atiku-Obi coalition proposal—centered on a one-term pledge and succession plan—signals a potential unified front against the APC, but it remains to be seen whether internal party crises, loyalist alignment, and platform decisions will allow the arrangement to survive.
