Peter Obi Responds to Rumoured VP Deal with Atiku, Raises Eyebrows on 2027 Political Strategy
Amid swirling rumours and political chess games ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Peter Obi the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential flagbearer has finally broken his silence over alleged talks of joining forces with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking at a public function in Kubwa, Abuja where he donated generously to a school and hospital project run by the Anglican Church Obi subtly responded to questions about the purported political deal, choosing his words carefully but powerfully.
“You can make of the report what you want,” Obi said, brushing off the murmurs with a tone that was both deflective and revealing. “But I’m in a coalition against bad governance, hunger, and poverty.”
That carefully crafted line has only fueled further speculation that there is more to the story than he’s letting on.
Behind the Scenes: The 2027 Power Play
The rumour mill began spinning rapidly after The PUNCH reported a secret meeting between Atiku and Obi in the United Kingdom earlier this year. According to political insiders, the meeting wasn’t just a catch-up between old allies; it was a strategic rendezvous aimed at forming a potent coalition to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Sources claim Atiku offered Obi the vice-presidential slot on the condition that he (Atiku) would run for only one term before handing over power effectively grooming Obi as his successor.
“One of Atiku’s key pitches was that he would do only four years, and then step aside for Obi to take over in 2031,” a source familiar with the talks disclosed. “Obi asked for time to consult his loyalists, and from what we’ve gathered, he’s warming up to the idea.”
Déjà Vu or Political Evolution?
If this alliance materializes, it would be a flashback to 2019 when Atiku and Obi ran together under the PDP banner, only to be defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. But a lot has changed since then Obi has since emerged as a symbol of the “third force” and has gained a cult-like following among Nigerian youth.
The potential reunion raises critical questions: Would Obi risk his brand built on anti-establishment credibility to rejoin forces with a political veteran like Atiku? Or is this a strategic sacrifice aimed at long-term national influence?
Platform Politics: LP, PDP or ADC?
Both the Labour Party and the PDP are currently navigating internal rifts, forcing coalition planners to look elsewhere. According to insiders, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is now a top contender for the alliance’s political platform.
“The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was once in the mix,” another insider said, “but it seems the APC has already infiltrated it. ADC appears to be a cleaner slate, and some of Obi’s people are already in talks with their leadership.”
With the two major opposition parties struggling to unify their bases, moving to a smaller, less fractured party like the ADC may seem unconventional but perhaps necessary.
No Official Confirmation, But Smoke Signals Are Clear
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, refused to confirm any deal but acknowledged that talks about a broad coalition are ongoing.
“I can’t speak to any specific agreement,” Ibe said, “but I can confirm that both leaders are working on building a strong coalition capable of defeating the clueless APC in 2027.”
Peter Ahmeh, a close ally of Obi and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, echoed the evasiveness. “No comment on this one until I speak with my oga,” he told The PUNCH. However, he didn’t deny the possibility.
Ahmeh added, “We must follow the right political protocols. We can’t allow Tinubu to become the uncontested political landlord of the South when we have a candidate who can beat him hands down.”
The Bigger Picture: A Coalition for Change or Compromise?
While Obi’s public statement was careful not to confirm the deal, it was far from a denial. His emphasis on “coalition against bad governance” signals openness to alliances but at what cost?
This potential political marriage with Atiku may offer short-term benefits, but it also threatens to blur Obi’s clean-image appeal. For a man seen as the face of political integrity and grassroots-driven change, teaming up with a veteran politician of Atiku’s ilk may be seen by some as a step backward.
The 2027 election is already shaping up to be more than just another ballot it’s a test of character, ideology, and political survival. Whether Obi and Atiku will truly join forces remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nigeria’s political stage is heating up, and the stakes have never been higher.
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Peter Obi Responds to Rumoured VP Deal with Atiku, Raises Eyebrows on 2027 Political Strategy